The Socceroos restored some pride to their World Cup campaign after defeating Serbia 2-1 in Nelspruit on Wednesday evening, but ultimately came up short.

Australia went into their final group game with the slim prospect of qualification, they needed to defeat Serbia well and then hope Germany did likewise against Ghana.

At the halfway point both games were goalless, but it was Germany who drew first blood to take the lead against Ghana, then Tim Cahill powered a superb header home for the Aussies to suddenly give them hope.

Substitute Brett Holman then grabbed a second for the Socceroos, but it still a further two goals, either from Australia or Germany, but it was a task too far and in the end Serbia came very close to clinching qualification themselves when Marko Pantelic pulled a goal back, ending Australia's hopes.

As both Group D games entered the final stages, Germany and Ghana were heading through but Serbia should have replaced Ghana but Pantelic missed a golden chance at the death.

Brett Emerton completed the full ninety minutes for the Aussies, whilst the injured Vince Grella watched on from the sidelines.