We've barely drawn breath and yet we are already on the path towards Brazil 2014. A new coach and a loss to Slovenia made for a busy week in Socceroo-land.
But dare I ask - are we being exposed to too much green and gold too soon after our South African foray? Before you ask, yes I have checked recent history.
And yes, after the 2006 World Cup the Socceroos played five games in the latter half of that year.
But three of those were Asian Cup qualifiers, and two of those were games in which we fielded A-League and or C-string teams.
This time around our full (and when I say full, I mean anyone who is fit and available) team has played Slovenia and will play Switzerland, Poland, Paraguay, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates before the Asian Cup starts in early January.
I know we have to play as many games as possible before we head to Qatar, and I understand that there are international dates on the calendar between now and then.
But is playing so many meaningless friendlies against - with the greatest respect - second-class opposition, going to do the Socceroos brand any good back in Australia?
I'm telling you, it was hard to find any interest in the Slovenia game this week, from football and non-football fans alike.
With the aquisition of a new coach, wouldn't it be a perfect opportunity to perhaps hold a few training camps with the squad? Especially over the two double-international dates later on this year.
It would definitely keep our star's clubs happy, and it would give the new-look squad a chance to further gel and develop strategies under our new manager.
Obviously this is not going to happen, but it's just a thought.
On to the friendly against Slovenia and fans already on the back of this new Socceroos team have got rocks in their heads. Yes, we were outclassed, but let's look at some facts.
We were playing away from home.
We were playing a team ranked 19 in the world, one that performed extremely well in South Africa.
Of our team that faced Serbia at the World Cup, only five took to the field in Maribor.
Included were youngsters and fringe players such as Bruce Dijte, Dave Carney and Mile Jedinak.
Missing were stars such as Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton.
We had all of two days together in camp, without our newly appointed coach and, let's be honest, their thoughts were surely on the imminent opening of the new club season rather than this meaningless friendly.
While I say we don't need all of these upcoming friendly games, I am excited to see the cohesion between generation next - a-la Luke Wilkshire, Brett Holman, Carl Valeri - continue to develop.
It will take time. Last night was the first tiny step in a long campaign to Brazil 2014.
I'm tired just thinking about it.
