AFP, SYDNEY: Australia's footballers were urged to rediscover their cutting edge and sense of direction as they headed home after a winless World Cup where they failed to score any goals from open play.

National media called it a “meek exit” as the Socceroos, under caretaker coach Bert van Marwijk, lost 2-0 to Peru to finish bottom of Group C -- their third straight failure to reach the knock-out rounds.

The reigning Asian champions only scored two goals in three matches, both penalties drilled in by captain Mile Jedinak, highlighting their lack of a top-class striker.

Graham Arnold will now take over for his second stint as coach after Ange Postecoglou walked out in November, a turn of events which prompted Dutchman van Marwijk's hiring as an interim measure.

“There are valuable lessons to be learned. At this level you need a quality number nine, someone who can take their chances. If you don't you will get punished,” said The Australian's football writer Ray Gatt.

“To go through the tournament without scoring a goal in open play pretty well sums it up.”

TV commentator Craig Foster criticised van Marwijk's tactics after the Dutchman -- who took the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final -- abandoned the more adventurous approach employed by Postecoglou.