Match Report
Despite a marked improvement in performance, it was another frustrating night for Australia in their AFC Asian qualifying campaign, with the Socceroos playing out a 0-0 draw with Indonesia in Jakarta.
In the second match of Round Three in their FIFA World Cup 2026™qualifying campaign, Australia put in a dominant display at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, managing 63% possession, 19 shots, 32 touches in the opposition box, and an incredible 15 corners.
But, despite creating a number of inviting opportunities, Australia couldn’t convert that dominance into goals.
Head Coach Graham Arnold made five changes to the side that lost to Bahrain last Thursday with Cam Burgess, Sammy Silvera, Keanu Baccus, Nestory Irankunda and Mitch Duke all coming into the starting eleven. Kye Rowles, Aiden O’Neill and Martin Boyle made way, along with the suspended Kusini Yengi and Connor Metcalfe, who missed out through injury.
Australia lined up in an attacking 4-4-2 formation with Irankunda partnering Mitch Duke up front, while Craig Goodwin and Silvera started on the left and right flanks respectively. Meanwhile, Indonesia opted for their customary 4-5-1 set-up.
In a blistering start to the game, Indonesia imposed intense early pressure on the Australian goal, with Maty Ryan having to spring into action with two saves in quick succession in the first 30 seconds, after attempts by Sandy Walsh and Rafael Struick.
But, Graham Arnold’s side stood strong and successfully weathered the early storm from the hosts with the game beginning to settle after the first ten minutes.
The Socceroos then started to impose themselves on Indonesia with some good build up play through the midfield resulting in a string of corners and goalscoring opportunities.
