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.

Indeed, Australia's prime creative outlet, Mark Bresciano, was withdrawn at the break - due to injury - having been virtually bypassed throughout the first half due to the Socceroos' pragmatic direct approach.

While aesthetically poorer, Australia's tactic against the backdrop of a frenzied capacity crowd was understandable, but ultimately unable to topple an opponent that blended an occasional sharp touch with an insatiable work ethic.

Hassan's opener on 50 minutes came after substitute Mile Jedinak was ruled to have fouled Odai Al Saify - an ever present threat for the Jordanians - on the fringe of the penalty area.

Hassan made no mistake with his spot kick and the visitor's woe was compounded when Amer Deeb doubled the host's advantage 15 minutes from time with a sharp finish after some great lead up from Al Saify.

Unfortunately for the Socceroos, Thompson's classy finish close to full time was a mere consolation, with the defeat leaving Australia's World Cup fate very much in the balance with five matches to play in this qualification stage.

- AAP