Tony Popovic’s Australia side took a crucial step closer towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as they swept away Indonesia 5-1 in their qualifying match on Thuesday.
The Socceroos can breathe a little easier as they shored up their standing in second place in the group with Japan and Bahrain drawing 0-0 in their qualifying clash.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the Aussies though, with the Socceroos being handed an early lifeline after Kevin Diks of Indonesia missed a penalty inside the opening eight minutes of the match.
It was then that the home side stepped into second gear, with Martin Boyle converting a penalty 10 minutes later.
Nishan Velupillay would strike not long after while Jackson Irvine would follow up for the Socceroos’ third of the night before half-time.
Lewis Miller would nab side’s fourth after 61 minutes with Irvine netting in the 90th minute to seal the victory for the hosts.
Despite their blip in the opening 10 minutes of the match, the Socceroos look to have heeded Tim Cahill’s advice, after the Aussie great told the side earlier in the week to not underestimate opponents like Indonesia in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
With Japan on top of Group C on 17 points Australia now sit ssecond second with 10 points – three clear of Bahrain in third.
More to follow…
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