This match means a lot to Bert van Marwijk. 

Another thrashing at the hands of a far-superior opponent to Norway - let alone an even greater scoreline - and morale could be shattered entering the World Cup. 

Equally as troublesome, another significant loss could force a reimagining of the Socceroos tactics in the short-time available before difficult friendlies against Hungary and Czech Republic.

The Dutch coach has already said "we're not ready yet" and is poised to make changes to his squad to face the South Americans. Australia have never beaten Colombia, three encounters between 1995 and 2001 yielding a 0-0 draw and two close losses. 

But while now is time for experimentation, unfortunately, van Marwijk and his side can't afford a steep learning curve. A result isn't absolutely necessary against Los Cafeteros, but a stronger performance definitely is. 

THE FACTS

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman masterminded the win against France

Colombia are ranked 13th in the world but were as high as third as recently as 2016. Despite their place as one of South America's most fearsome nations, the South Americans have a history of underperforming in football.

2014 - where they reached the quarterfinals under current coach, Jose Pekerman - was the first time Colombia had made it past the second round and they'd failed to qualify entirely for the three preceeding World Cups.

Apart from a solitary win in 2001, their record in Copa America is similarly unexciting, outdone by many smaller South American sides. However now, Los Cafeteros (The Coffee Growers) are making up for lost time. 

While Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez are the household names, coach Jose Pekerman - formerly Argentinian national side boss - has revolutionised Colombian football since he was appointed in 2012.

After a mixed, yet successful qualifying campaign that saw Pekerman's side snatch the final direct-qualification spot, Colombia are now coming off a 3-2 win against France on the French's home-turf.

Their last loss was interestingly away against South Korea in November last year. Given they face Japan in the group-stage, they've been collecting experience against AFC nations. 

Against France, Colombia lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, exactly corresponding to the Aussies. This will make the match a physical battle, emphasising the importance of one-on-one dominance for both sides.

France also used a 4-2-3-1 formation against the Colombians, but after a slow start, Colombia physically dominated the midfield battle for the majority of the game. 

THE THREATS

Falcao and Rodriguez are Colombia's superstars

Unlike the Norwegians, Colombia have named a mixed squad to face the Aussies. Dynamic winger and Juventus star Juan Cuadrado is out injured, while a mixture of youth and inexperience laments the backline.

In front of in-form Arsenal shot-stopper David Ospina, A.C Milan reserve Christian Zapata leads the defence alongside Barcelona youngster Yerry Mina, who despite only making one league appearance for the Catalan giants has become a fixture under Jose Pekerman. 

Ultimately, however, it's a defence low on game-time and match experience. Colombia's midfield is where things become devastating. 

Deep-lying playmarker Carlos Sanchez, Giovanni Moreno and Abel Aguilar form the brunt of a composed, skillful and quick midfield line, while Boca Juniors youngster Wilmar Barrios provides the defensive grunt-work.

Then there's Rodriguez. Playing in the number 10 role, the 2014 World Cup superstar has put a troubled period at Real Madrid behind him to become one of Bayern Munich's star performers this season.

While the rest of Colombia's midfield is surprisingly dry in goals, Rodriguez scores at a one-in-three rate for the Tricolor.

His all-round explosive game is going to be particularly effective against a slow-moving midfield screen of Aaron Mooy and Mile Jedinak, so whether van Marwijk puts in Massimo Luongo remains to be seen. 

Finally, to take the scoring impotus from James, either Falcao or Carlos Bacca usually lead the line for the South Americans, although Brighton prospect Jose Iquierdo has been lighting up the Premier League this season.

Speedster Bacca shot to fame with a phenomenal strike-rate for Sevilla and Milan but the goals have dried up recently, while Falcao is back to his devastating best for Monaco this season.

After the Socceroos' shambolic defending from set pieces against Norway, Falcao's extraordinary aerial ability will be worrying to say the least.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Whoever forms the defensive-midfield line for the Socceroos, whether it be Jedinak, Luongo or Mooy against Rodriguez, Izquierdo, Mateus Uribe and Luis Muriel will prove key.

Likewise, with Tom Rogic and and Tomi Juric expected to start, how they compete against the likes of Aguilar, Zapata and Mina will be telling for Australia's attacking hopes at the World Cup.

Against an average Colombian backline, a scoreless performance from Australia would be ominous. 

THE VERDICT

Colombia appear far-too dangerous going forward for the Socceroos' leaky backline to contain, although they suffer some of the same frailties themselves. 

Ultimately, it's likely after the performance against Norway that Bert van Marwijk will focus on steadying the ship defensively and performing more acutely on the counter.

Nevertheless, it's hard to see Australia shutting out the Colombians completely. A solid, but unspectacular win to Pekerman's side is the most likely scenario.