In the early hours of Wednesday morning (AEDT), Bert van Marwijk will have his work cut out for him as the new Socceroos coach comes up against South American giants Colombia in London.
After being handed a 4-1 defeat by Norway on Saturday, Australia must adapt to their new coach quickly or face the consequences playing a particularly potent Colombian outfit.
Ranked 13th in the world, the La Tricolours are flying high after beating France 3-2 and will be searching for a third straight win ahead of the World Cup in June.
The Socceroos, whose presence at Russia was cast in some temporary doubt on Tuesday, must overcome a number of obstacles including some ominous statistics to avoid what could be a heavy defeat at Craven Cottage.
STAT ATTACK
- This will be the fourth meeting between Colombia and Australia, with the Socceroos still searching for their first win against the Tricolors (D1, L2).
- The Socceroos have won just one of their last 10 international friendlies (D3, L6), and have been defeated in each of their last three.
- Colombia have won their last two games on the bounce, the last time they won more in succession was a five-game glut from March to June 2016.
- Colombia have conceded just two goals in their previous three games against the Socceroos; Steve Corica and Scott Chipperfield bagging late consolations in a 3-2 loss in 2001.
- The Socceroos have conceded the opening goal of the game in only one of their last six games, posting first score themselves on four occasions in that time.
Statistics provided by Opta.
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