The Socceroos have begun life under new coach Holger Osieck with an entertaining 0-0 friendly draw against an understrength Switzerland in St Gallen.

Australian captain Lucas Neill said before the match the players had been trying too hard in training to impress their new boss and it appeared a little bit that way at the AFG Arena.

Carl Valeri (R) of Australia battles for possession. Credit:Getty Images

The Swiss showed during the World Cup in June that they were extremely hard to break down with only one goal conceded and Australia were unable to find the back of the net.