Australia thrash Indonesia 5-1 to strengthen World Cup bid
Australia moved closer to World Cup qualification with a commanding 5-1 victory over Indonesia on Thursday, as Patrick Kluivert endured a heavy defeat in his first match in charge.
Indonesia squandered an early chance to take the lead when Kevin Diks struck the post from the penalty spot. Minutes later, Martin Boyle converted a penalty for the Socceroos following a VAR review, before Nishan Velupillay doubled the advantage in quick succession at Sydney Football Stadium.
Jackson Irvine added a brace, and Lewis Miller also found the net as Tony Popovic’s side took full control of the contest.
“The result today was very important, and the fact that we did it with five goals, really pleased,” said Irvine, who was named man of the match.
Captain Mat Ryan, however, felt the final scoreline flattered Australia.
“At the start of the game they had two big chances, and if they put one of them away, it could have been a different game,” Ryan said. “But momentum is an important thing in sport and we’ve kick-started that winning momentum now.”
Australia sit second in Group C with 10 points, four ahead of Indonesia, with three matches remaining. A crucial away fixture against China looms on Tuesday.
Indonesia, featuring 10 Dutch-born players, face a must-win clash against Bahrain next week as they fight to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
(Source: AFP)
