The Socceroos have much to do in order to earn their place in Brazil after a 2-1 defeat to Jordan in a World Cup qualifier.
Hassan Abdel Fattah and Amer Deeb's second-half strikes sealed Australia's fate on a wretched Tuesday evening in the Middle East, where the Socceroos were ultimately unable to match the unrelenting intensity of their less-fancied opponents.
Archie Thompson's late strike - his second goal in as many games - was all Australia had to celebrate on an evening when their treacherous World Cup journey was underlined emphatically.
By now the Socceroos are suitably prepared for the challenge of World Cup qualification through Asia and this, their first visit to Jordan, was as torrid a test as they have faced.
An uneven pitch and a Jordanian side outstanding in their willingness to launch bodies at the oft-bobbling ball made dictating play near impossible.