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Robbie Kruse and James Holland were the only two players under 25 to start the game, and Holland was pulled off after less than an hour in a shambolic start to the match.

Tireless Kruse was also surprisingly withdrawn for Archie Thompson shortly afterwards.

Australia went two behind without reply after Michael Thwaite was beaten for pace for the first and Mile Jedinak scored an own goal for Oman's second, with the visitors constantly threatening.

A goal from Tim Cahill and another from Brett Holman five minutes from time kept Australia's World Cup dream alive - but it was an otherwise dismal performance from the Roos.

The Socceroos squad had the luxury of a ten day camp in Sydney prior to the game, and had suffered no injuries or pullouts before kick off.

Yet the first half especially was a dire exhibition which surrendered control of the game to the visitors, and in the second half, only the goal from Tim Cahill kickstarted the Socceroos back into the game.

"We have to diferentiate," he said. "We had a very poor first half and we simply played way too slow and the penetrating ball never came.

"The goal was very unneccessary - it was a very poor set up in our defensive line. Then we had that very unfortunate own goal. We knew they would play up into our defensive third and that's what they did.

"There were three players at the near post and Mile was the unlucky one and he did it."

After Cahill's goal, Australia fought back and looked for the equaliser with the introduction of Mark Bresciano for Holland. Bresciano was later injured and himself replaced by Tommy Oar .

"Our experienced players really changed it," said Osieck. "I think Brett Holman had a great game considering he's getting hardly any playing time at Aston Villa.

"I think Timmy was a permanent threat with some excellent headers and with a bit of luck we could have scored again.

"Alex Brosque was all over the park and I think he did a great job for the team."

But he added: "I must admit I had expected a lot more from some of the younger guys that I tried to promote and showed some good faith in...but, well, you can see. It's different.

"When people want to see young people rejuvenation and what it does in reality."

Osieck insisted that the younger players would still get another chance with the Roos at some point though.

"That would be unfair," he said. "But I think what you saw today put things into perspective.

"They are not there, although they are considered high fliers. But when you fly high, you land very harsh on the ground."

Despite the draw and his earlier insistence this was a must-win game, Osieck was still confident of Australia's chance of qualifying for Brazil 2014.

"You look at the table and we are still in number two position," he said. "We still have three more games - most of the other teams only have two more games. That can make a difference.

"We have two at home and I think we can never blow it again. A game like today shouldn't happen again."

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