While distraught at a controversial 2-1 defeat to France on Saturday, players believe their plucky performance sets a new Socceroos standard.

"(It) is the benchmark ... it's all about becoming a great team now and showing that consistency," goalkeeper Mat Ryan said.

The Australians outplayed the fancied French for much of their battle in Kazan in a display which heartened coach Bert van Marwijk.

But while his players promised more of the same against Denmark on Thursday and Peru the following Tuesday, van Marwijk issued a note of caution.

"When you see this (France) game, you must have confidence for the rest of the tournament ... but it's never a guarantee," he said.

"One of the most positive things is we showed guts and we showed that we could be ourselves.

"The next game is another game. But it gives us confidence ... we can be proud of the way we played against one of the best teams in the world."

Moments after the final whistle, captain Mile Jedinak called his disappointed teammates into a tight circle mid-pitch.

The players linked arm-in-arm as Jedinak delivered an uplifting message.

"It was to keep our head up," striker Andrew Nabbout told AAP.

"It's a tournament; it's not a one game tournament.

"We're going to go out there and do exactly the same thing against Denmark and Peru.

"We put France under pressure and ... I think we've instilled fear in everyone else.

"They know we're here for business and they know we're very well organised and well disciplined ... that is exactly what Mile said."

Stalwart Mark Milligan said Jedinak's message "that this was the start" was instantly heeded.

"It's definitely not over for us, we have got a long way to go in this tournament I feel," Milligan said.

Emerging star Daniel Arzani, at 19 the youngest player at this World Cup, said Jedinak also praised Australia's spirited performance.

"We got into a huddle and said 'we didn't deserve that, we have done really well and let's keep our heads up and look forward to the next two games'," Arzani said.

Attacker Robbie Kruse said the bitter loss to France would be digested before turning attention to their next games.

"For a day or two we will be reflecting on this game," Kruse said.

"It's difficult to get over the fact that we probably should have had a point at least.

"I'm sure once we get over this, we can start focussing on that second game."

Australian Associated Press