Socceroos’ hopes of qualifying for the World Cup suffer ANOTHER blow as they draw with one of the worst teams in the world – days after losing to Bahrain
The Socceroos’ qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup has suffered another setback after they ended in a 0-0 draw against Indonesia.
Desperate for victory after a shock 1-0 defeat to Bahrain on the Gold Coast last week, the Australians produced a better performance on a spongy pitch in Jakarta on Tuesday night.
Despite dominating the ball and creating several chances, the Socceroos failed to score for the second game in a row.
Indonesia’s Dutch-born goalkeeper Maarten Paes made a number of saves on goal for the visitors, but the Socceroos should have taken better advantage of the chances they were given.
Australia had a total of 19 shots on target, Indonesia had five, and 15 corner kicks, compared to the home side’s three.
In front of more than 70,000 fans, the determined Indonesians, who are ranked 133rd in the world, held on to leave with just one point from two games in the third round of the AFC qualifiers.
The Socceroos’ hopes of a top-two finish in their group, which would secure them a place at the 2026 World Cup, are already in jeopardy, with a win against China in Adelaide next month essential.
The Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign has been dealt another blow after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Indonesia. Australia’s Samuel Silvera battles for the ball against Indonesia’s Rizki Ridho Ramadhani
After a nervous start, the Socceroos came into the game well and dominated the first half, but were unable to find the net.
Defender Harry Souttar had chances in the 21st and 23rd minutes, but was thwarted both times by goalkeeper Paes.
Tension machine Nestory Irankunda needed some time to make an impression on the match, failing to send a header on target in the 27th minute.
He was unlucky, however, not to put the Socceroos ahead with a fine long-range shot seven minutes later, which hit the post, deflected off Paes’ legs and somehow failed to find its way into the net.
Paes was called into action again in the 35th minute when left winger Craig Goodwin burst into the Indonesia penalty area and fired a shot straight at the gloveman.
Indonesia’s goalkeeper continued to save his side in the second half by stopping Socceroos substitute Adam Taggart in the 67th minute.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Socceroos failed to score for the second game in a row. Australia’s Nestory Irankunda reacts after injury
His replacement Awer Mabil also had a chance ten minutes later, but failed to head the ball on target after a cross from Aziz Behich had hit him at the far post.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold made five changes to the team that started in last Thursday’s surprise defeat to Bahrain.
Three of the changes came in attack, with teenage sensation Irankunda, experienced striker Mitch Duke and promising winger Sammy Silvera being brought into the starting XI.
Midfielder Keanu Baccus and centre back Cameron Burgess were also recalled to Australia’s starting line-up.
The five players who dropped out were centre back Kye Rowles, midfielders Aiden O’Neill and Connor Metcalfe, winger Martin Boyle and striker Kusini Yengi.
Metcalfe was injured in training, while Kusini was suspended after being sent off against the Bahrainis.