The Socceroos' slump against Thailand may just be the latest of three consecutive draws, but it's the one Australia will be left to rue the longest in a stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign.
Tuesday night's 2-2 stalemate in steaming Bangkok has left the national team on a precarious path to Russia 2018.
They got away with last month's tough away 2-2 draw with leaders Saudi Arabia.
Even a wasteful first half that resulted in a 1-1 home impasse with heavyweights Japan was not dire.
But against lowly Thailand, momentum ground to a halt.
And the Socceroos will have plenty of time to reflect before embarking on the last five fixtures of the final phase starting in March.
Thailand, winless and without a point before Tuesday night, were there for the taking.
Three points should have been mere procedure, the only real question just how many goals Australia would score.
That Ange Postecoglou's men couldn't stamp their authority on a side with a minus nine goal difference is a glaring concern.
Postecoglou's evolution has been evident, the 2015 Asian Cup champions' increasing depth a sign this is a squad built for the future.
And the coach has rightly been applauded for his philosophy and ability to inject his unfaltering belief into his squad.
Yet Postecoglou's assertion that the Socceroos can not only qualify for Russia 2018 but make an impact in the tournament would appear to be a stretch based on current form.
"It's not good enough," said winger Robbie Kruse. "Everyone needs to have a look at themselves.
"We didn't perform anywhere near the way we should have, particularly after we got the first goal.
"We've let ourselves down in the group now and we're one point behind the top two, so now it's going to be a lot tenser.
"There was no more chance [for a slip-up] before tonight, but even more so now."
The central issues for the Socceroos is goals -- or lack thereof -- in the run of play.
Australia's blushes were saved only by two penalties from captain Mile Jedinak, who also equalised from the spot against Japan.
Brisbane striker Jamie Maclaren struggled to impose himself but also received little service in a disjointed front third.
And while reliable goalscorers Tomi Juric and Tim Cahill were notable absentees, the problem appears broader, especially when Kruse and Mathew Leckie have just seven goals between them in 85 caps.
Late substitute Nathan Burns was a rare hit of energy.
The other question surrounds some players' lack of club football.
Kruse's complete absence from Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga team sheet this season was evident.
First-choice left-back Brad Smith is still yet to feature for new English Premier League club Bournemouth while goalkeeper Mat Ryan, despite being the standout performer, has played two La Liga games for Valencia this campaign.
