Australia's first foray into the Asian Cup ended in disappointment, bowing out in the quarter-final stage of a tournament it was favoured to win.
And the poor performance is likely to have ramifications not only for coach Graham Arnold, who is certain to be dumped as national coach in favour of a big-name European coach - possibly Dutchman Dick Advocaat - but also several players as well.
Here is what the future holds for the 2007 Asian Cup Socceroos' squad, as we look ahead to the start of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers next year.
Mark Schwarzer: The veteran goalkeeper was one of the few Socceroos to shine at the tournament and despite turning 35 in October, clearly remains Australia's number one choice between the sticks. But while he is committed to going on until the 2010 World Cup, will his form hold up for another three years?
Michael Petkovic: Unsighted at this Asian Cup and at 31 may be running out of time to take over from Schwarzer as Australia's number one goalkeeper by the next World Cup.
Brad Jones: At just 25 he has time on his side to become Australia's new number one keeper but given he is also the understudy to Schwarzer at club level with English club Middlesbrough, he probably needs to find a new club to get more game time if he is to enhance his international career.
Michael Beauchamp: Just how this composed central defender was overlooked in favour of Patrick Kisnorbo for the first two games will remain one of great sporting mysteries and was an indictment on Arnold. Scored the opening goal in the crucial game against Thailand and at just 26 shapes as a key plank of the team for the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Brett Emerton: Australia's star of the tournament. Never stopped running and trying in all four matches and showed his versatility by playing both in defence as part of a four man and three man defence and then midfield. Should be the next captain if Mark Viduka pulls the pin on his international career.
Mark Milligan: The youngest member of the side at just 21, he should have played the first two games before finally getting his chance against Thailand and performing superbly. Unfortunately undid his good work by making the error which led to Japan's equaliser in the quarter-final defeat but like Beauchamp is a player whom the defence can be built around in the future.
Patrick Kisnorbo: Just how this player was chosen in the squad let alone in the starting 11 is a question only Arnold can answer. Looked well short of international class when picked for the first two matches and surely won't figure in a Socceroos' squad again.
Lucas Neill: Was the star of last year's World Cup squad but had a terrible Asian Cup. Not only was he the subject of speculation of a rift in the team with unconfirmed reports he was sulking over not being made captain ahead of Viduka but looked all at sea in the first two matches. He then missed the Thailand match due to suspension and capped off a tournament to forget by missing a penalty in the shoot-out against Japan. In no danger of being axed from the team but needs to lift.
Michael Thwaite: One of only two outfield players not used at the tournament but at just 24 has time on his side to press for a place in the team.
Luke Wilkshire: Showed his versatility by playing both in midfield and defence and took most of Australia's free-kicks and corners in the first three matches before missing the Japan game through suspension. Was serviceable but didn't do enough from set pieces.
Mark Bresciano: Never really hit the heights expected of him but never stopped running or trying. At times get too easily pushed off the ball while he also doesn't do enough with his final pass. At 27, might find his place in the team (but not the squad) under threat for the World Cup qualifiers.
Tim Cahill: Showed yet again in the Oman and Thailand matches that he remains a match-winner by again coming off the bench to great affect as he did in Germany. Lacked match-fitness coming into the tournament following a three month lay-off with a foot injury and the Socceroos will be desperately hoping he is fit for the World Cup qualifiers.
Nick Carle: Was grossly underused by Arnold and only came on once and that was in the final game against Japan, where he looked promising. About to embark on a move to Turkey which should only help his future international career.
David Carney: Another who should not have been left out of the side for the first two matches. Showed in the last two matches that A-League players are more than capable of stepping up to international level and showed nerves of steel to convert his penalty during the shoot-out against Japan. Has a big international future.
Vince Grella: Along with Neill was the disappointment of the tournament. Seemed to be affected by the heat more than any other player and lacked his usual sharpness and passion. Capped off a dreadful tournament by being sent off against Japan and, like Bresciano, his place in the midfield is definitely under threat for the World Cup qualifiers.
Jason Culina: Produced his best game against Japan after struggling in the group stages. Like Grella he appeared affected by the conditions throughout the tournament but never stopped trying. Should remain a prominent member of the squad but like Grella and Bresciano could soon find his place in midfield under threat.
Mile Sterjovski: Barely touched the ball in the first half against Oman and was then substituted and not seen again. At 28 has probably played his last game for Australia.
Carl Valeri: Along with Thwaite, was the only outfield player not used but considering he does not turn 23 until next month has plenty of time on his side. Is often compared in playing style to Grella and given Grella's dreadful tournanment, could soon get his opportunity in midfield.
John Aloisi: Another who was underused by Arnold and despite now being 31 shapes as the man to lead the attack, in the short-term anyway, if Viduka calls it quits. Scored the opener against Japan and with 27 goals is the country's all-time second leading scorer while his strength on the ball and fanatical approach worries opposition defenders.
Mark Viduka: Had an excellent tournament with three goals, including two in the win over Thailand, but struggled in the heat of Vietnam during the quarter-final loss to Japan. Expected to retire from international football, given he only decided to play at this tournament at the last minute.
Brett Holman: Another poor selection from Arnold after he was given game time ahead of the likes of Aloisi and Archie Thompson in the first two matches. Not strong enough to play as a striker and does not make the most of his opportunities when playing off a big striker such as Viduka or Aloisi. But at 23 has time on his side.
Archie Thompson: The best striker in the A-League was hardly used by Arnold, although he did have a few niggly injuries during the tournament. Should be tried in partnership with Aloisi but given he turns 29 in October is running out of time to establish himself at international level.
Harry Kewell: Performed well considering he came into the tournament badly lacking match fitness after missing nearly all of last season with septic arthritis in his foot. Set up the goal against Japan and still always looks Australia's most dangerous player. Let's just hope he is fit for the World Cup campaign.
Coach: Graham Arnold: Looks certain to be sacked as coach of the Socceroos, probably in favour of Dutchman Dick Advocaat. His selections in the first two games was one of the main reasons why the team struggled and ultimately cost itself any chance of winning the tournament as it took just one point against Oman and Iraq, which meant it eventually finished second in the group and thus played Japan earlier than expected. Blamed everything from the heat and humidity to the lack of preparation for his players for Australia's poor performances but should instead look in the mirror. His selection of Kisnorbo ahead of Beauchamp for the first two matches, in particular, was indefensible and in the space of 12 months he turned a team which was the only one from Asia to qualify for the second round of the World Cup into one which was lucky not to be eliminated in the first round of the Asian Cup.