The Caltex Socceroos have a new coach for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with Dutchman Bert van Marwijk appointed on Thursday.
The Dutchman brings a wealth of experience to the role from more than two decades as a manager at both club and international level.
But who is the 65-year-old coach who takes over from Ange Postecoglou and will lead Australia to the World Cup?
We answer some of the burning questions below.
AGE: 65
NATIONALITY: Dutch
WHO HAS HE COACHED?
- Fortuna Sittard (1998-2000)
- Feyenoord (2000-2004)
- Borussia Dortmund (2004-2006)
- Feyenoord (2007-2008)
- Netherlands (2008-2012)
- Hamburg (2013-2014)
- Saudi Arabia (2015-2017)
WHAT IS HIS COACHING RECORD LIKE?
- Won the UEFA CUP (now Europa League) with Feyenoord in 2001/02
- Won the Dutch Cup (KNVB Beker) with Feyenoord in 2007/08
- Took the Netherlands to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, losing 1-0 to Spain.
- Helped Saudi Arabia qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
WHAT’S HIS HISTORY WITH THE CALTEX SOCCEROOS?
Van Marwijk has coached against Australia on four occasions during his time in charge of both the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.
As manager of the Netherlands he suffered a 2-1 friendly loss to the Caltex Socceroos in 2008, before a goalless draw in another friendly in Sydney 12 months later.
During the recent AFC World Cup qualifying campaign with the Saudis, van Marwijk’s side got a 2-2 draw in Jeddah in 2016, before the Caltex Socceroos prevailed 3-2 in Adelaide last year.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bert van Marwijk was the man that gave Brett Emerton his dream move to Europe, signing the Caltex Socceroos winger to Feyenoord in 2000.
“Emmo” went on to become a fan favourite in Rotterdam, scoring 11 goals in 92 appearances for the club before making the switch to Blackburn in the EPL. Emerton represented Australia 95 times from 1998-2012 and scored 20 goals.