The Socceroos have copped a 4-1 thrashing in an international friendly against Norway in Oslo, in their first match under the management of Bert van Marwijk.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Norway 4
Socceroos 1
The Bert Van Marwijk era begins as World Cup preparations start and the Socceroos face Norway in Oslo. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4am (AEDT).
Australia will be watching intently, albeit some a little later in the morning, as the Socceroos take their first real step towards Russia with their new manager at the helm.
With two friendlies organised to give Van Marwijk a chance to see his boys in action at close quarters and reignite some of the combinations that will so desperately be required during the group phase of the World Cup, the Socceroos have limited time to prepare.
While the result of this match will not be the metric by which success or failure is gauged, the manager will want to see a competitive edge in his squad and some creativity in the front third of the pitch.
Getting that attacking balance right at the World Cup will be one of his key roles as the Socceroos have struggled to put the ball in the net frequently enough and need post-Cahill solutions to that issue.
The lineup will be fascinating once decided and Norway’s strength and discipline will be a great test.
Prediction
Games such as these are usually open, with neither team doing anything more than experiementing and feeling for combinations. So, goals should feature. My crystal ball suggests Norway will come out on top in an entertaining game.
Norway 3, Australia 2
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 4am (AEDT).
dave
Guest
Cmon Do it the Aussie Way not Euro Soccer, Wheres the spirit
perry cox
Roar Guru
Good game call Stuart. Shame the game couldn't deliver for you.
perry cox
Roar Guru
I thought Petratos looked good tonight. Actually, I thought he was Australia's best.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for this match everyone, despite it being a disappointing morning for Australia. I'll be back later in the day with A-League and AFL action. Have a great day.
perry cox
Roar Guru
Did his world cup chances no harm at all.
perry cox
Roar Guru
My teams have copped it in the last 12 hours Stevo.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Colombia v France friendly coming up in 1 hr. That will be interesting to watch.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
What a disappointing result for the Socceroos as they begin their preparations for Russia. The new manager will learn much from that performance and no doubt be alarmed by some of the defensive frailties on show. Norway were the better team by a considerable margin; in terms of both possession and purposeful possession which still appears to be the central issue for this Socceroos squad. The Australians did look like a collection of individuals rather than a team tonight and their defence often takes on that look. An early exit for Bailey Wright was not a good sign for the right back who might just be the first name crossed of the manager's list for the precious trip to the World Cup. Things started reasonably well for the Socceroos despite the Norwegian dominance in quality possession early and a shock goal against the run of play from the header of Jackson Irvine saw them take an unexpected lead. From then on, Norway took control and with countless long balls in behind the back four and better movement through the middle third, they began to cut the Socceroos open through the middle. Kamara fed off the successes of those around him and slammed home an impressive hat-trick that built a score line that reflected the dominance of the home side. Certainly nothing to panic about for the Australians, just a whole lot of work to do in the lead up to the clash with Colombia on Wednesday. Van Marwijk will now have a better feel for the group and should give us a better indication of his thinking each time the team takes to the pitch. Final Score Norway 4 Australia 1
Griffo
Roar Guru
Good goal for Kamari's hattrick. 'Performance without personality' says Harper. Poor passing in general as well that will need to lift against Columbia.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full Time Well played Norway. Too good for the Socceroos as the final whistle is blown.
Norway: 4 Australia: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
93' - Well that got ugly pretty quickly didn't it?
Norway: 4 Australia: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 92' - Three minutes of added time and Odegaard tees up Kamara who fires home from just inside the box. Great goal.
Norway: 4 Australia: 1
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Demolition.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90' - Norway still moving the ball well in midfield and that has been the stark difference between the two teams. A little more class and control on the ball.
Norway: 3 Australia: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
89' - Final minute of normal time. Someone needs to put this second half out of its misery. Little football played in the last half hour.
Norway: 3 Australia: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
87' - Error at the back from Norway and the Socceroos have a half chance snuffed out by a retreating defence.
Norway: 3 Australia: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
85' - Fossum on and Elyounoussi off. What a game for the speedster.
Norway: 3 Australia: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
85' - Rukavytsya on and Leckie comes off.
Norway: 3 Australia: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
84' - A real sense that everyone has seen enough and learned what they needed to learn.
Norway: 3 Australia: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
83' - Kruse makes another good run, yet the ball is too deep and the keeper cleans up easily.
Norway: 3 Australia: 1