The Socceroos are adamant they weren't overawed by the big stage of facing the United States as heat comes from home and abroad after their 2-0 loss to the World Cup co-hosts.
Australia's hopes were dented when Cameron Burgess turned the ball into his own net in the 11th minute, before Alex Freeman's 43rd-minute goal delivered the hammer blow at Seattle Stadium.
At halftime, it earned a lashing from Socceroos great Harry Kewell.
"It's not good enough," Kewell told SBS.
"It feels like we've frozen on the big stage."
Australia were vastly improved after the break, buoyed by the introduction of substitutes Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe and Jason Geria.
But the damage was done, leaving the Socceroos likely needing a result against Paraguay on Friday (AEST) to progress to the knockouts.
