Australia coach Ange Postecoglou believes his side will become a force to be reckoned with at future World Cups despite being eliminated by a 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Australia had deservedly led 2-1 just before the hour mark thanks to Tim Cahill's stunning volley and Mile Jedinak's penalty after Arjen Robben had given Holland the lead.
However, Robin van Persie quickly levelled and Memphis Depay struck the winner with the aid of a goalkeeping mistake from Maty Ryan 22 minutes from time.
Postecoglou insisted his young squad will become a force to be reckoned with at future tournaments, including the Asian Cup on home soil next year, if they continue their current rate of progress.
"I don't feel pleased right now because of emotions of the game, but we came to this World Cup and we're playing against three of the best nations in the world. People were saying we weren't going to score a goal and we would just try and survive and I think in both games we've taken it to the opposition.
"We've only just started on this journey and the goal is to come back in four years time and they fear us before we go on the pitch as much as they fear us on there now. There is no doubt both Chile and the Dutch know they've been in a game and I think that speaks about the way we've gone about our football.
"At the same time I have said all along I wasn't going to discount this World Cup, I wasn't going to come here and experiment or build experience. I came here with the objective to make an impact and I think in both games we've had the opportunities to do that so it is just disappointing that we weren't able to."
Australia could have been in front once more just before Depay's winner as Matthew Leckie passed up a great chance. Postecoglou admitted that had been the turning point in the game.
