THERE are two good things to remember about Australia's qualifying path to the World Cup in Brazil. The first is that it doesn't have to win its five-team group to cement a spot in South America in 2014. A runner-up berth will do.

The second is that Japan is streeting the field, defeating all rivals (bar, ironically, the Socceroos), and that everyone else is beating or drawing with each other.

'We simply have to accept that the current crop of players is not as talented, at this point in their development, as the batch that came through 10 to 15 years ago.' Credit:Getty Images

It is merely a crumb of rather cold comfort, but after the 2-1 loss to Jordan early yesterday, it offers some semblance of succour.

In its first two games, Australia was adequate against Oman and plucky in the home draw with 10 men against Japan.