Jason Davidson scored an own goal just three minutes into his Socceroos debut as Australia fell to a 3-1 defeat against Scotland at Easter Road.
Davidson, the son of former Australia international Alan, entered the field in place of left back David Carney in the 59th minute and soon afterwards met Danny Fox’s cross with a header out of the reach of replacement Socceroos goalkeeper Adam Federici.
Australia took the lead after 19 minutes through a superb 20-yard dipping volley from Mark Bresciano – less than a minute after Brett Holman should have been awarded a goal after his strike sneaked past the goal-line before being blocked by Fox’s hand.
Neither a goal nor penalty were awarded but as the resulting corner was cleared Australia’s complaints were ended by Bresciano’s superb strike.
Scotland was back on level terms ten minutes later through a fine stooping header from Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes, who was making his full debut.
After an even first half, the hosts dominated proceedings after the break and were full value for the lead they were gifted by Davidson.
The game was then put beyond doubt when substitute Ross McCormack turned a defender on the edge of the penalty area and slotted home wrong-footing Federici.
Although just a friendly, the performance and result against a side ranked 22 places below Australia in the FIFA rankings – and one coming off a 5-1 thrashing to the United States – concerned coach Holger Osieck.
“The bottom line is we played very poorly,” Osieck told Fox Sports.
“I consider it a wake-up call. We need to improve a lot before the World Cup qualifier.
“Maybe it’s the wake-up call at the right time.”
Asked what he said to the players after the match Osieck added: “I said a couple of words I don’t want to repeat.”
Lucas Neill who skippered the Socceroos for the 50th time said the team was fully aware of their deficiencies.
“We know exactly where we went wrong,” Neill said.
“We gave the ball away too cheaply, we weren’t brave enough in possession and weren’t clinical enough.
“We just gave away possession too easily tonight and allowed Scotland to get possession and then grow in confidence.
“We are disappointed. We need to do a lot more.”
Next for Australia is a friendly against Lebanon on September 6, before a World Cup qualifier in Jordan five days later.