The Socceroos’ World Cup campaign has taken a major hit, crushed by the USA at Seattle Stadium on Saturday morning (Australian time).

The Aussies failed to produce the magic that powered them to an electric win over Turkey, and were off to a nervy start against the hosts.

They were down 2-0 at half-time, with the USA going on to win by that margin.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Unlike the game against Turkey, the Socceroos looked all at sea in defence in the first half, and lacked connection.

“It’s not good enough,” Australian legend Harry Kewell said at half-time.

“It feels like we’ve frozen on the big stage. There’s no fluidity. we’re on the back foot. we’re not connectiong one or two passes. The USA have obviously looked at how we’ve played. They’ve changed slightly the formation. and that’s just locked us in and then we look panicky on the ball.

“We’re just getting the ball and kicking it long …. they’ve put us on the back on the foot and been able to connect in the wide areas and make us look terrible.”

Fellow SBS commentator Kevin-Prince Boateng was also baffled by the lapses in defence and did not understand how the USA had so many free players.

“How is that possible? (They) come in as a defensive side and the defence must be the strongest. How can they be so free … I don’t understand.

“I said from the beginning, ‘(they will need ) fireworks’. I don’t see any fireworks from the Socceroos …. something has to change.”

The Socceroos came alive in the second half, and produced some meaningful shots on goal at around the 60 minute mark, but they failed to find the net.

Questions will be asked of Socceroos manager Tony Popovic, who dropped goalscorers Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe to the bench for the start of the blockbuster clash with the US.

More to come …