It wasn't in the script. Far from it. And while the 2-1 scoreline was somewhat expected, Australia — and not Jordan — being on the losing end wasn't.

Terms like "shock", "disappointing" and even "high drama" can be used to describe the loss. A famous and deserving victory for Jordan, however, is a description that better reflects the true nature of the match.

Yes, the Socceroos battled valiantly in the final 15 minutes after going to 2-0 down, yet for the best part of the opening 75 minutes, they were simply out-thought, out-fought and above all, out-played by their hosts.

Jordan signalled their intent from the outset, pressing high and forcing Australia to play long balls out of defence.

A 13th-minute hamstring injury to defender Sasa Ognenovski didn’t help the cause, but fundamentally Australia’s reluctance and inability to break the first line of pressure from defence essentially nullified their midfield, rendering the likes of Mark Bresciano ineffective in their quest to provide linked passages of play with Brett Holman, Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Alex Brosque further up the park.

The supply line and a cohesive mode of play was therefore shot, leaving the attacking trio to fight for the second ball, which more often than not was won by their counterparts.

Events of the day, however, could have been vastly different had Cahill put Australia ahead after just four minutes.

Latching onto a clever flick from Alex Brosque, the New York Red Bull star drove his attempt from a few yards out directly into Jordanian goalkeeper, Amer Shafil. It was almost the perfect start.

A scrappy and goalless first half gave false hope to the Australians, who found themselves 1-0 down four minutes after the break when Hassan Abdel Fattah converted a controversially awarded penalty.

Replays show Odai Al Saify made the most of a very slight touch from Mile Jedinak (he was brought on at half-time for the injured Bresciano), although any ill feelings towards that decision should be tempered by the fact Jordan were unlucky not have been awarded a penalty in the first half after a Fattah free-kick struck the arm of Cahill inside the 18-yard box.

As Australia began to press in search of an equaliser, gaps began to emerge and Jordan soon found themselves 2-0 to the good after Amer Deeb finished off a quick counter-attack.

Some clever interplay between Archie Thompson and Brosque saw the Melbourne Victory striker claw a goal back for the Socceroos with less than three minutes of normal time remaining, but it would prove nothing more than a consolation goal.

So what does this mean for Australia?

It means, don’t panic - well, not just yet - but be concerned.

With five games still to play, three of which are on home soil, Australia should still expect to finish second in Group B behind Japan, and with that, secure direct qualification for the 2014 World Cup.

The next World Cup qualifier against Iraq in Doha on 16 October takes on much greater significance, as anything less than three points will seriously hamper Australia’s attempts at a direct passage to Brazil.

It also leaves Holger Osieck with plenty to think about. With the benefit of hindsight, questions will be asked over the wisdom of fielding an aging team in a friendly only a few days before a crucial qualifier, while issues at left back, playing out from defence and the midfield combination will also attract much attention and debate.

All hope is not lost, but Captain Holger certainly needs to correct the course of his wayward vessel should the Socceroos arrive safely on the shores of Brazil.