Why Socceroos fans are fuming over important detail ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Indonesia
- Clash will not air on Channel 10, only on Paramount+
- Socceroos must win after shock 1-0 defeat to Bahrain
- Kick-off Tuesday 10pm AEST in Jakarta, torrential rain ahead of match
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has demanded a response from his players against Indonesia after a dismal start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
This comes as fans on social media are in an uproar. The clash airs Tuesday night from 9.30pm AEST only on Paramount+.
“Let the match be broadcast for free on FTA,” one fan pleaded on Instagram.
A second added: ‘This should be live on TV, free to watch…really outrageous.’
A third responded: ‘Channel 10 is ruining the game.’
Meanwhile, Australia’s bid to qualify directly for football’s biggest event in 2026 hit an early hurdle, terrible 1-0 home defeat against Bahrain last Thursday on the Gold Coast.
The Socceroos were also criticised for their lack of creativity against the team ranked 80th in the world, having 70 per cent of the ball but managing just four poor shots on target.
When asked about Indonesia’s players, Arnold immediately focused on his charges ahead of Tuesday night’s match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has demanded a response from his players against Indonesia after a terrible start to their World Cup qualifying campaign
A win in Jakarta is a necessity after last week’s shock 1-0 defeat to Bahrain on the Gold Coast (pictured striker Mitch Duke)
“We know their strengths, we know the system they use and the style of play they use,” he said.
“It’s about playing the game well and having a good mentality.”
‘It was clear that we didn’t get the right result in the first game, but for me it’s about seeing the reaction of the players in this game.’
Experienced left-back Aziz Behich echoed Arnold’s sentiments and stressed that the players are optimistic.
“Of course we were all disappointed. Not the way we wanted to start this phase,” he said.
‘We know we underperformed as a group, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s about how we respond and how we respond mentally.
“Of course we have to put this game behind us, it’s just one game. We have many games ahead of us, but we just have to concentrate on this game against Indonesia.
“The group is great. We’ve had some good sessions here. The guys have recovered well and it’s more about just being positive, knowing we can be better and we will be better.
‘That’s the main message, especially to the younger boys. Everyone is excited and the atmosphere will be great for sure – so as a footballer there’s nothing better than playing in front of a full stadium.’
The sold-out stadium with a capacity of 78,000 spectators will be particularly parochial.
Arnold indicated that this could increase the pressure on Indonesia to perform and expected the Socceroos to handle the pressure.