Australia's Jason Culina (5), Mark Viduka (9) and team mates walk off the pitch after their defeat to Italy in their second round World Cup 2006 soccer match in Kaiserslautern June 26, 2006. [Reuters]

The Dutchman transformed the team's fortunes after taking charge last July, leading it to a first finals in 32 years and then inspiring it to the brink of the quarterfinals.

Hiddink now moves on to a two-and-a-half year contract as coach of Russia but the players he leaves behind believe another big name European should take over the reins.

"I think we need to go to another European," goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer told Australian Associated Press yesterday. "With all respect to all the coaches back in Australia, I don't think anyone is ready for that level yet."

Assistant coach Graham Arnold had been a favorite to replace Hiddink, but the way the former Netherlands coach lifted Australia's image as one of the tournament's more combative and fluent teams may change Football Federation Australia's mind.

FFA Chief Executive John O'Neill admitted Australia's performances in Germany may result in more applicants for the post than would have been expected before.

"We need another Guus Hiddink. What a difference he has made," O'Neill said. "I've had some expressions of interest since I've been here from some fairly big names. We wouldn't have got it a year ago. It's a reflection of the fact we've never been on this stage."

Lyon coach Gerard Houllier and former Glasgow Celtic boss Martin O'Neill have been touted as possible replacements.

In South Korea, Pim Verbeek, who took over the reins yesterday from Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, said that he would pursue victories at the Asian Cup and 2008 Olympic Games to rebuild his squad's confidence in the wake of its first-round exit.

The Netherlands-born coach said he would combine Korean and Dutch football styles to find a winning formula.

"It is our goal to go to the finals of the Asian Cup. We're willing to win the Asian Cup in 2007," Verbeek said.