The Socceroos have hushed their doubters after an emphatic 5-1 win over Indonesia saw Australia inch closer to World Cup qualification.
Last Thursday night at Allianz Stadium, thousands of Indonesian fans swamped the Sydney venue, making their presence known as Team Garuda blitzed the Socceroos from kick-off.
Australian goalkeeper, Matt Ryan, was called into action quickly as an Indonesian free kick set play almost assisted captain Jay Izdes’ striking header.
Despite the lack of a goal, Indonesia did not relent. They forced the Australian defence into uncomfortable positions until centre-back Kye Rowles made a costly error within the box on forward Rafael Struik.
After a lengthy VAR process, Indonesia were awarded the penalty. However, Ryan would be relieved as Kevin Diks hit the woodwork, saving Australia from an early deficit.
Ramping up the intensity, Australia reversed the momentum and inflicted heavy pressure upon Indonesia’s backline.
Eventually, the Red and White would crack by taking down Australian full-back Lewis Miller on a corner kick, awarding the Socceroos a penalty of their own.
Shouldering the responsibility, Martin Boyle stepped up to take it and struck the ball cleanly to the left, sending Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes the wrong way.
Invigorated by the goal, the Socceroos were rampant. Moving the ball rapidly through a lacklustre Indonesian press, Australia flicked the ball over the top of the defence into the path of Nishan Velupillay.
Paes rushed to meet the young Socceroo but Velupillay controlled the bouncing ball over the goalkeeper with a composed chip, scoring Australia’s second goal within two minutes of their first.
Velupillay would kick off Australia’s next goal, beginning a tight chain of passes in the box after dazzling Indonesia with some fancy footwork. On the receiving end of the chain was Jackson Irvine, who took a shot with one touch.
Paes deflected his effort, however the ball went straight back to Irvine, who sliced it into the top right sweetly on his second attempt.
Operating off a 3-0 lead, the Socceroos were less vibrant at the start of the final half, but still managed to be the first to score.
Subbed in at half-time, Craig Goodwin once again displayed his superior finesse as he assisted Australia’s fourth goal. Kicking a pinpoint inswinger to Miller, Goodwin handed the backman the perfect opportunity to score, which he did with a diving header.
Indonesia would gain a modicum of ascendency as the half wore on, ultimately resulting in a smart finish from Ole Romeny to give Team Garuda a consolation goal.
The visitors continued to assault the Socceroos defence as the minutes crept down but to no avail.
In the final seconds of regulation time, Craig Goodwin once again delivered silver service from a corner kick. This time, he assisted Irvine’s second goal of the night as he headed it in to seal the win for the home fans.
The result was crucial for the Socceroos, keeping Australia in the hunt for qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Currently, the national team sits second in Group C, one of two automatic qualifying spots for the World Cup. The group is led by Japan, who have already booked their spot at the prestigious tournament.
World Cup hopefuls Saudi Arabia sit third in the group, one point behind Australia after their win against Bahrain.
If the Socceroos want to tighten their grip over a potential World Cup berth, they will need a strong win against China on Tuesday as pressure mounts.
If not, Australia may have to resort to qualifying the long way as they have in previous tournaments.
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