Victory winger dazzles as Socceroos make crucial stride towards World Cup Qualification

A stunning debut goal from Melbourne Victory winger Nishan Velupillay propelled the Subway Socceroos to a decisive 5-1 victory against Indonesia in their pivotal World Cup qualifying match at Sydney Football Stadium.

Given his first start by Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic, Velupillay made his mark in the 20th minute, calmly guiding Australia to a 2-0 advantage, just two minutes after Martin Boyle had netted the opener from the penalty spot.

“It’s a special moment for him, isn’t it?” Popovic remarked regarding Velupillay’s display post-match.

“Making your first start amidst the pressure of a packed Sydney stadium is a big occasion. The young man coped exceptionally well.”

“He scored and showcased that he has the talent and ability to perform. We just need to ensure he strengthens his game to maintain that standard for longer durations.”

“Naturally, he fatigued a bit in the second half, which led to some sloppiness, but that’s all part of the learning process. You can’t substitute the experience of playing in high-stakes matches,” he added.

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“As a novice, he doesn’t yet have that experience. Looking back, he should be very proud of his performance.”

Substituted in the 72nd minute by his Victory teammate Daniel Arzani, Velupillay was a constant menace throughout his time on the field, certainly providing Popovic with ample considerations for the upcoming match against China.

The 23-year-old winger was one of three Isuzu UTE A-League players chosen to start by Popovic, who also deployed Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart at the forefront and Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich in his usual left wing-back role.

However, the Socceroos’ explosive double came after a sluggish beginning, as they narrowly avoided falling behind within the first eight minutes.

Having already produced an impressive save from a powerful header, Mat Ryan, who returned as keeper, then watched as Indonesia’s Kevin Dijks struck the crossbar from the penalty spot after Kye Rowles was penalised in the 7th minute.

From that moment on, however, the home side took heed of their early warning and seized control of this critical FIFA World Cup qualifier, displaying more effectiveness than flair.

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With the Socceroos leading 3-0 at halftime, thanks to a Jackson Irvine goal in the 34th minute, they added further tallies from wing-back Lewis Miller and a second score from Irvine, sandwiching a consolation goal from Indonesia’s Ole Romeny.

Currently sitting second in Group C with 10 points from seven matches, the Socceroos retain a vital automatic qualifying position for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We didn’t start well,” admitted Popovic post-match. “The goal they scored encapsulated our defensive frailties today.”

“They didn’t create much. We gifted them chances; we handed them the penalty and then the goal as well. Defensively, we were lacking today.”

“We were a bit shaky and careless in our defending, which is how we started, giving away a needless free kick and a penalty. After they missed, getting our goal settled everyone down, and thereafter we were okay.”

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While the win was undoubtedly satisfying for Popovic, he faced some injury concerns, particularly regarding his starting forward.

Taggart was seen nursing his groin during the first half and was substituted for Western Sydney Wanderers’ Brandon Borrello during the break, with Popovic indicating that Taggart would need to be assessed ahead of the upcoming trip to China in Hangzhou on Tuesday.

“We will assess them in the morning, but both had some minor issues,” Popovic explained when asked about both Taggart and Boyle’s substitutions at half-time.

“Adam had a more significant concern than Martin Boyle, but Adam was definitely coming off for precautionary reasons. We knew Boyle wouldn’t be able to last the full 90 minutes, so we decided to introduce some fresh legs to exploit the spaces they were leaving during the match.”

“Craig (Goodwin) came on and contributed well with his delivery, helping set up a couple of goals. It was a positive substitution, and hopefully those players will be fit for travel.”

In conclusion…