Former Australia coach Ange Postecoglou believes they must stop considering themselves as an ‘underdog’ after their World Cup exit.

Australia crashed out of Russia after their 2-0 defeat to Peru on Tuesday, meaning they have only won two out of their 16 World Cup games going back to their debut in 1974.

Postecoglou was replaced by Dutchman Bert van Marwijk following their qualification and he insists the Australians must change their approach.

“If our way forward is to rely on our defensive stability and competitiveness, then let that be our blueprint,” he wrote on the PlayersVoice website.

“But we must shed our inferiority complex. The problem with always being the underdog is that it is a sign you haven’t improved.”

He said: “What has happened and transpired since I left the position shows me my instincts were right.

“We still want to be the underdog. We want everyone to know that eight times out of 10 we will be beaten by the very best, but that does not mean we can’t knock them off. After all we are Australians and we fear no one.

“We can’t fear failure or being exposed. The Socceroo name alone should give us that strength. We should build on the shoulders of those before us, otherwise we have failed in our responsibilities.”