The 1.93 metre striker towered above his Scandinavian opposition at spells at Norwegian clubs Molde and Lillestrom, becoming the league's top scorer at the latter in 2001.

It was the best spell of the Aussies' short career, and the Norwegians are a crowd that Zane remembers fondly.

“The whole nation is very patriotic and everyone loves to get around the national team,” Zane said.

“It doesn’t matter what code or sport it is, if it’s the national team they get behind it.”

“I think there will be a really good crowd when Australia play Norway, even though (Norway) hasn’t done so well of late.”

Currently ranked 56th by FIFA, Norway hasn't competed in a World Cup since 1998 due to difficult UEFA qualifying. Formerly the home of regular Champions League club Rosenborg, Norwegian football has been on a slight decline over the previous decade.

The side can still boast world-class talent, however.

Bournemouth's star striker Josh King, Hoffenheim defender and former Gunner Havard Nordveit, Hull's Adama Diomande and Markus Henriksen and in-form goalkeeper Rune Jarstein mean the Norwegians will still present a threat. 

The side are reeling from a recent 6-0 loss to Germany and a 2-0 defeat to Northern Ireland in their last match, yet Zane insists it will be an unusual experience for the Socceroos. 

“The Ullevaal Stadion is quite an intimate Stadium and it is seen in Norway as a big privilege to play there, because it is primarily reserved for the national team as well as big cup finals and semi-finals,” Zane said.

“We used to kick off the league in April and I always remember that it was still snowing, so no doubt that group can expect snow in March.”

“At the start of the league season the snow was always pushed to the side of the pitch and it was a race to get the fields ready. But that was some time ago and I am sure that the facilities would be a lot better.”