The Socceroos have again come up short against top-class opposition as Belgium inflicted a fifth straight defeat with a 2-0 friendly international win in Liege.

Goals in either half to midfielders Dries Mertens and Axel Witsel proved the difference at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne on Thursday night in both sides’ first outings since the World Cup.

It was a similar story to Brazil for Ange Postecolgou’s men, who again gave a good account of themselves at times but were ultimately outclassed.

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While defensive frailties were again exposed as they were against the attacking might of Chile, Netherlands and Spain at the World Cup, Australia matched it with the worlds’s fifth-ranked side during some good spells on a balmy Belgium evening.

Classy veteran Mark Bresciano was Australia’s best, while rising winger Mathew Leckie continued on his encouraging form from Brazil.

All-time leading scorer Tim Cahill didn’t see much of the ball, while an inexperienced backline featuring debutants Trent Sainsbury and Chris Herd found the going tough at times.

Liverpool youngster Brad Smith also made his Socceroos debut off the bench, completing his change of eligibility having represented England at junior level.

Australia are still searching for their first win since opening with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in November, but they are sure to benefit from testing themselves against some of the world’s best teams.

The Socceroos will get a better chance to return to winning ways when they face Saudi Arabia in London on Monday to continue the build-up to next year’s Asian Cup.

Postecoglou could experiment slightly more with his squad at Craven Cottage, after fielding his strongest available starting side against World Cup quarter-finalists Belgium.

Only Robbie Kruse (knee) was unavailable, and Postecoglou handed Sainsbury and Herd first starts in a back four with only 16 previous caps collectively.

Belgium were missing some of their big stars, including Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, but Manchester City star Vincent Kompany (calf) was a surprise starter after missing his side’s final training session.

Aston Villa defender Herd was lucky to escape a card in a heated opening to the game with his high boot striking Belgium midfield linchpin Witsel in the chest.

Australia needed Mat Ryan to make a great save to deny Mertens in the 12th minute as Belgium continued to make inroads down the right hand side, with Jason Davidson having a torrid time at left back.

The opening goal came in the 18th minute after Kevin de Bruyne was afforded too much space and hit the crossbar with a powerful shot.

The Socceroos failed to clear from the rebound and Napoli winger Mertens hit his shot into the ground and over the head of Ryan.

Australia squandered a golden chance to equalise in the 23rd minute after some brilliant lead-up work from Leckie, with Cahill’s side-footed shot hit straight at Thibaut Courtois.

Herd’s night was cut short by injury when he was forced off just before half time and replaced by Fiorentina recruit Josh Brillante.

Australia came out well after the break but couldn’t create any clear-cut chances, and Postecolgou introduced Massimo Luongo and Ben Halloran off the bench.

Belgium sealed the win when Zenit St Petersburg star Witsel brought down the ball beautifully and doubled the advantage with a half-volley in the 77th minute before Carl Valeri and Tomi Juric also saw some late game time.