Australia's early World Cup exit signals the beginning of the end for the "golden generation".

Proudly Australian-born in the 1970s and 80s, though from a mix of ethnic backgrounds, they took the Socceroos to heights once only dreamed of.

Their 2010 campaign in South Africa, however, struggled from the outset to match their high octane exploits in Germany in 2006, despite a barnstorming finish.

As they head home, they must reflect wistfully that their high-water mark came not in South Africa but on a dramatic summer afternoon in Kaiserslautern four years ago when they pushed eventual World Cup champions Italy to the brink.

Only a hotly disputed penalty deprived them of extra time against 10 men with a quarter-finals spot up for grabs.

But now the party is over, and the break-up begins.

Some of Australia's so-called golden boys will end their Socceroos careers immediately.

Some will soldier on to next year's Asian Cup and beyond.

But despite the desire of many to make it, it's unlikely more than a few will still be around come Brazil's World Cup in 2014.

First to go are the two oldest outfield players, 34-year-old defenders Craig Moore and Scott Chipperfield.

They declared long before coming to South Africa that this was the final fling of their international careers.

Both knew exactly what to expect after the learning curve of Germany and were intent on enjoying the whole experience.

They did, too, even if things didn't pan out the way they wanted.

Chipperfield had his hands full as a rampant Germany roared down Australia's left flank in the opening mis-match, but fought back gamely when used as a substitute attacker in the gutsy draw against Ghana.

Moore also had a tough time against the Germans - who didn't? - but saved one of his stoutest efforts for Ghana.

Tragically, though, he picked up a second yellow which forced him to watch the final match against Serbia from the grandstands.

But he exits with no regrets.

"I certainly didn't leave anything out there," Moore said of his distinguished Socceroos career.

"I'm happy with that."

Harry Kewell, 31, is another who may have experienced his final World Cup action in the grandstand at Nelspruit.

Kewell, overlooked for the Germany match and suspended for Serbia, got just 25 minutes of game time in South Africa.

He says he still has the desire to play but given his injury history that could be debatable.

Lucas Neill is keen to continue wearing the captain's armband at next year's Asian Cup.

He also wants to remain involved in the Socceroo set-up.

But he will be 36 by the time Brazil's 2014 World Cup rolls around.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, the current team's most-capped player, has already defied football longevity.

Would FIFA let a 41-year-old play in Brazil?

Midfielder Vince Grella, 30, is taking a break to reassess his international future.

But given his history of injuries, and the fact that he seemed to fall out of favour with coach Pim Verbeek in South Africa, a large question mark looms over him.

His mate Mark Bresciano, 30, looks to be in a similar position.

Brett Emerton has long been Australia's most reliable workhorse, but even he will be 35 next time around.

Tim Cahill has become Australia's number one player and no-one could doubt how driven he is.

He could do it but he will be 34.

Even some of the twenty-somethings might not get over the line for another World Cup.

Jason Culina, 29, got in Verbeek's squad despite rather than because of his decision to play in the A-League.

His selection was mainly due to his training regime with his former Dutch team PSV Eindhoven.

Four more years of domestic football is unlikely to cut the ice with Verbeek's successor, whoever that is.

Which leaves 28-year-old Luke Wilkshire and 27-year-old Josh Kennedy as the most likely survivors among the Socceroo regulars over the past two World Cups.

And Australia might well look for a replacement frontman for Kennedy over the next four years.

For the golden generation, the party is over,

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