Australia’s 2014 World Cup preparations are in disarray after Holger Osieck was sacked following a second successive 6-0 defeat on Friday.

The Socceroos coach, who took over in 2010, had already secured qualification for the World Cup yet heavy losses against Brazil and now France have forced Football Federation Australia’s hand.

"The decision is based on the longer term issues of the rejuvenation of the Socceroos team," said Australia's football head Frank Lowy.

The news has rocked the line betting world, with Australia’s odds of winning the World Cup taking a big hit. On Saturday morning, their price had already fallen to 200.00 – that’s higher than Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Ecuador – and it looks unlikely confidence will be restored between now and next June.

Although many Socceroos fans would argue Osieck deserved the boot following his team’s recent performances, to axe a manager so close to the World Cup is dramatic. Granted, they were never going to challenge for the title but there was feeling among people betting on soccer that Australia could cause an upset or two next year.

Ignoring these two recent defeats, the national side had been competitive despite narrow losses in China and Japan this season, while the spirit shown to muscle past Jordan and Iraq to secure qualification should be commended. It’s not easy playing a qualification campaign when you’re a hemisphere away from all your opponents.

Assistant Aurelio Vidmar will take charge of the side against Canada on Tuesday in another meaningless friendly designed to promote international relations instead of competition for squad places.

To sack Osieck on the back of friendly form is ridiculous and now the FFA has a job on its hands finding the right man to lead Australia into the tournament in Brazil. There’s be no shortage of mercenary coaches looking to make a quick buck and crowbar their way into the Finals and the FFA must ensure they appoint someone for the long haul.