Sochi: The legacy of Bert van Marwijk does not include getting Australia out of the group but in the wake of his departure, the outgoing Dutchman has left something longer lasting among the Socceroos - the knowledge they can outplay the world's best.

The players were distraught having been eliminated from the 2018 World Cup in Russia and much of their disappointment has to do with their newfound knowledge that they were indeed good enough. Much of that, according to players, is to do with the work of van Marwijk.

For many, he was the first national team coach that taught them how to express themselves on the football pitch rather than simply follow orders and in doing so, lead them to learning they're competent challengers against the richest and most famous names in world football.

None learned that better than fullback Aziz Behich who arguably had the hardest task in marking the likes of Kylian Mbappe at the World Cup but flourished as one of the Socceroo's most consistent and strongest performers. The Bursaspor defender won himself plenty of admirers with his dogged style of play and credits much of his performances with the advice from his coach.