They're copping it for relying too much on older players, but veteran midfielder Brett Emerton believes the Socceroos' experience will prove crucial in reaching the 2014 World Cup.

Australia's qualifying campaign has been rocked by a shock 2-1 loss to lowly Jordan on Tuesday, leaving Holger Osieck's side facing an uphill battle to reach a third successive World Cup finals in Brazil.

The team has come under heavy criticism for the loss in Amman, with many pointing the finger at Osieck for relying too heavily on the squad's veterans and not blooding enough youth.

But Emerton, who missed the match as he continues to recover from ankle surgery, expects experience in high-pressure situations to count for plenty in what he says are now must-win games for Australia.

"It's obviously a disappointing result and it makes things a little bit more difficult for us," Emerton said of the match.