By Nick Mulvenney SYDNEY, April 28 (Reuters) - As the lowest-ranked team heading for Brazil, Australia's fourth trip to the World Cup finals was always going to be a challenge even before lady luck abandoned them in December's tournament draw. Spain and the Netherlands, who fought out the 2010 World Cup final, as well as South American powerhouse Chile, presented the worst scenario for a nation with a newly appointed coach and a squad in transition. Australia's sporting culture insists their teams fight against the odds to the bitter end, but it is difficult to see the Socceroos coming back from Brazil with anything much better than humiliation avoided. After scrapping their way through Asian qualifying under Holger Osieck, spiritless displays in successive 6-0 friendly defeats by Brazil and France led to the summary dismissal of the German last October. More...