Anas Bani Yaseen's goal proved the difference, despite Australia registering over 75% possession, Jordan held strong for a 1-0 win at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

The Chivalrous took the lead through a corner, Bani Yaseen bursting past Massimo Luongo, finding space and bulleting a header into the near post. It wasn't Jordan's only chance; Ahman Ersun rippled the side netting in the second half, nearly catching Mat Ryan unawares.

Jordan were very strong in the first half and proved dangerous the entire way through, with Vital Borkelman's counter-attacking philosophy working dividends against the Socceroos.

Australia huffed and puffed but offered relatively little, the majority of clear-cut chances occuring towards the final minutes of the match, when Graham Arnold's side threw everything at the Jordanians and piled lofted balls into the box.

Both sides had potential handball penalties waved away, while Jamie Maclaren was largely out-muscled and withdrawn in the number nine role. 

"The start of the game was lethargic, maybe a few nerves," Milligan said. "It's the first time in a tournament situation for some of the boys.

"We knew where their dangers were going to come from and on a set-piece, we can't be conceding those goals.

"We know we need to be better, but there's still good signs, we know we have to execute better."

The Socceroos were widely criticised for their route-one attacking, with little combination play resulting in chances, but Milligan insisted it wasn't a lack of preparation.

"I don't think we panicked," he said. "It's hard to keep your patience when a team is sitting deep and giving you that ball to play. I think it will be alright.

"I'm lucky I've got a great bunch of boys, this will hurt everyone, it's hurting me. We'll let Arnie have his say and get to work."