The Commonwealth Bank Pararoos returned to international football with a tight 2-0 defeat to Iran in their tournament-opening clash at the IFCPF World Cup in Spain.
Futbol Salou Sports Centre played host to Australia's first CP football international in 887 days on Thursday.
The Pararoos suffered an early blow with legendary captain David Barber unable to play past 13 minutes due to injury - when the 42-year-old was replaced by 18-year-old Jeremy Boyce.
Just two minutes later Yaser Rostami opened the scoring for Iran, slotting home past Chris Barty to grant the World #4 ranked nation the lead.
But Australia were not troubled by the deficit and continued to create opportunities despite their opponents controlling the lion's share of possession.
Daniel Campbell was denied by a desperate block midway through the second half and went even closer minutes later as the fingertips of Moslem Khazaeipirsarabi skimmed the ball onto the post.
Iran broke forward from the subsequent corner and the captain Hossein Tiz Bor slotted home their second - against the run of play.
Australia continued to create chances, and won plenty of set pieces, but in the end could not find a way through.
From here, attention turns to Saturday night's blockbuster against USA.
COMMBANK PARAROOS | IFCPF WORLD CUP SCHEDULE
Australia 0-2 Iran
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Australia 1-5 USA
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Australia 3 (4) - 3 (5) Canada
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Australia v Germany
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