The Socceroos returned to Australia but had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia on Thursday night at CommBank Stadium.
While an unsung midfielder stepped up, a star defender suffered what could be a costly injury blow late in the game.
Here's what we learned from the Socceroos match against Saudi Arabia...
James Jeggo solves midfield problem
With regular midfield stars Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic both missing, Graham Arnold somewhat surprisingly opted to start James Jeggo in a midfield three alongside Jackson Irvine and Ajdin Hrustic.
The Socceroos struggled in the middle of the park against Japan last time out as they failed to keep the ball and push forward effectively.
Jeggo's addition seemed to fix this issue in patches against Saudi Arabia as he occupied a deeper role and allowed Irvine and Hrustic to prove safer outlets moving forward.
Some of his and Hrustic's passing was exquisite at times in the first-half with this new-look midfield trio able to strike a good balance.
Jeggo has started nicely at DM. Good energy. Early exchanges but feels a far better midfield balance. Allowing Irvine and Hrustic more freedom. #AUSvKSA
— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) November 11, 2021
Midfield tonight is looking the best in a long time. Having Jeggo and Irvine double-pivoting is proving a deadly combination. This also is allowing Hrustic to freem roam in the 10 role, popping up in the play where need be. Only need a no. 9 poacher now.
— Jacob Briers (@JacobBriers) November 11, 2021
Harry Souttar's injury blow could prove costly
The Stoke City centre-back needed to be stretched from the field with just 10 minutes remaining after suffering what appeared to be a knee injury.
Souttar had his head in his hands as he was taken from the pitch and the worry is he may have done his ACL.
After a breakthrough 18 months for club and country, such a serious injury would be a massive blow for the defender with Premier League clubs reportedly circling for his signature.
The Socceroos would also dearly miss him too with Souttar quickly establishing himself as one of the side's best players.
"I'm really down and devastated for Harry...it's a big blow for us," Arnold said post-match as he conceded the injury appears to be serious.
Lack of cutting edge in the final third a concern
As the Socceroos' midfield clicked together, the attackers had a night to forget.
Wingers Awer Mabil and Martin Boyle were finding plenty of space but weren't able to pick out the final ball throughout the first-half.
Leading the line, Matthew Leckie was quiet on his return to the team as he battled to see much of the ball and seemed a bit indecisive when he did get it.
Leckie did have one of the Socceroos best efforts in the second-half but overall the front three failed to fire when they needed to.