Dominant Socceroos Run Rampant Against Kluivert’s Indonesia in World Cup Qualifier

Australia weathered an early challenge before launching a decisive rally to secure a comfortable 5-1 victory against Indonesia, managed by Patrick Kluivert, in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday. This win reinforces their hold on second place in Asian Group C, trailing only the dominant Japan.

Jackson Irvine found the back of the net twice, once in each half, while Martin Boyle converted a penalty. Nishan Velupillay and Lewis Miller also got on the scoresheet as the Socceroos capitalised on their opportunities, significantly boosting their goal difference.

This success positions Australia four points clear of Indonesia in the closely contested battle for second place in the group, which is critical for securing a spot in the 2026 finals. However, Saudi Arabia and China, who are set to face off later on Thursday, could narrow that lead back to just one point.

“Scoring five goals is always satisfying, especially under the pressure of World Cup qualifying. It’s what every player wants to be part of,” remarked Australia coach Tony Popovic, who will lead the team to China for their next qualifier on Tuesday.

“I’m feeling positive and genuinely excited about the next game. I truly feel honoured and proud of what we achieved tonight.”

Indonesia, buoyed by their local expatriate community who significantly outnumbered Socceroos fans in the crowd of 35,000, will regret Kevin Diks striking his early penalty off the woodwork. The team had to settle for a late consolation goal from debutant striker Ole Romeny.

“Had we converted the penalty, the match would have taken a completely different turn,” Kluivert stated in the post-match press conference.

“We fought fiercely and never lost our spirit. Nevertheless, I’m very disappointed with the result, not only for us but for all our supporters.”

Despite having only one locally-grown player in the starting XI, Indonesia is continuing to integrate talents from their diaspora. They have only conducted three training sessions under Kluivert’s guidance since he took the reins in January.

Indonesia made their intentions known from the outset on a warm evening at Sydney Football Stadium, aggressively pushing forward and winning most duels.

Australia’s goalkeeper Mat Ryan had to be sharp early on, deflecting a header from Indonesian captain Jay Idzes over the bar in the fifth minute. Just two minutes later, he faced a penalty.

Kye Rowles was penalised for allegedly fouling striker Rafael Struick inside the box, but defender Diks blasted his penalty against the top of the right post.

Boyle maintained his composure, scoring for Australia 11 minutes later when VAR intervened to penalise Indonesia’s Nathan Tjoe-A-On for pulling back Miller during a corner.

Just two minutes later, Adam Taggart’s lofted through ball released Velupillay, who expertly lifted the ball over Indonesian keeper Maarten Paes.

Paes made a brilliant save from Irvine in the 34th minute, but the Australian midfielder was not to be denied a second time, firing the rebound into the net.

Although Indonesia continued to exploit space on the wings, their quality in the final third often let them down. Miller then extended Australia’s lead just after the hour mark, heading home from a corner delivered by Craig Goodwin.

Romeny, who plays for Oxford United in England, finally netted the goal Indonesia had been seeking, finishing coolly 12 minutes from the end, only for Irvine to head in Australia’s fifth in the dying moments of the match.

Keep up with the AFC World Cup qualifiers here.