Analysis: enthusiastic Norway give Australia plenty to ponder

Australia struggled to deal with an at-times direct Norway, but the Norwegians showed there is more to their game after a 4-1 win over the Caltex Socceroos overnight. 

Ola Kamara's well-taken hat-trick for Lars Lagerbeck's side the highlight for a Norway that released the shackles and put on a show for a small crowd at the Ullevaal Stadion overnight. 

READ THE REPORT HERE

READ VAN MARWIJK'S REACTION HERE

READ JEDINAK'S HONEST ASSESSMENT HERE

They went long in the first half and Australia failed to deal with that tactic (in front of the watching Danish national team coach) but added some real attacking intent after the break. 

Cold comfort for the Norwegians who, unlike Australia, won't be going to the World Cup in June. 

For their part, the Aussies go to the big event with a new coach. That's rarely an easy transition, as we saw against Norway.  

After four years under Ange Postecoglou, the Australians have had little time to adapt to Bert van Marwijk's ideas. 

And while it was a solid opening half, a disappointing first 15 minutes in the second half saw Norway steamroll the Australians in chilly Oslo. 

Clearly, Jurman and Sainsbury will strengthen Australia's backline, though Aleksandar Susnjar showed promise after he came on early in the second half in his debut. 

Australia scored from a set piece. Their last four goals have all been scored from set pieces. Goals from open play will be on van Marwijk's radar. 

What's more, the quality of passing - after stressing it during the week - was another area van Marwijk will be trying to fix. 

Plenty to work on.

But as the Dutchman has underlined from day one, the pre World Cup camp in Turkey will be pivotal in clarifying the philosophy and game plan. 

This loss merely underlines the task at hand for van Marwijk to work his magic.