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The Socceroos' hopes of snaring a Pot 2 draw for next year's World Cup have taken a hit after falling to a deflating 1-0 friendly loss to Venezuela in Houston.

Currently placed 26th in the FIFA rankings, Australia needs to climb into the top 24 to secure a more favourable group for the tournament to be held in North America.

However, a new-look Socceroos were meek in Texas, struggling to maintain possession and failing to test Venezuelan goalkeeper Jose Contreras for long stretches of the encounter.

The 50th ranked Venezuelans, who missed out on World Cup qualification and are currently without a permanent manager, scored the game's only goal in the 39th minute,

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