Australia v Indonesia: Victory star to start for Socceroos in crucial World Cup Asian qualifier clash

The Socceroos have delivered the most comprehensive result of the Tony Popovic era and ever so slightly strengthened their hold on an automatic World Cup qualifying spot.

The Socceroos have delivered the most comprehensive result of the Tony Popovic era and ever so slightly strengthened their hold on an automatic World Cup qualifying spot with a 5-1 thumping of Indonesia in Sydney.

With just three group stage games now remaining en route to next year’s showpiece, second placed Australia have afforded themselves a touch more room to breathe in a desperately close group, with a critical three points ahead of Tuesday night’s away clash against China.

A penalty from Martin Boyle put Australia ahead in front of 35,241 fans and was followed by strikes from Nishan Velupillay, Lewis Miller and a double from Jackson Irvine.

It’s a scoreline that scarcely seemed believable in the early stages though with the Socceroos lead coming against a stampede of play.

Jackson Irvine celebrates one of his two goals. Picture: Getty Images

Spurred on by a stirring rendition of their anthem by massive supporter group, Indonesia, now managed by Dutch great Patrick Kluivert, stunned the Socceroos in the opening stanza.

Their captain Jay Idzes, of Venezia in Italy’s Serie A, drew a superb finger tip save from Australian captain Mat Ryan, who put in an excellent performance, in the opening five minutes.

In their next foray forward, Rafael Struik of the Brisbane Roar was oh so gently clipped by Kye Rowles in the box drawing a controversial penalty, but to Australia’s great fortune it was smashed against the crossbar by Kevin Diks.

After being under the cosh for the first five minutes, the Socceroos settled and would make the most of their massive reprieve in the next fifteen.

Socceroos star Craig Goodwin reacts during the win against Indonesia. Picture: Getty Images

The lead was taken after Miller was brought down by a bear hug in the box that wouldn’t have been out of place in an NRL game at the same venue.

Boyle, who helped provide much needed poise in the front third tucked the penalty away, and the Socceroos were on their way.

Soon after, the excellent Velupillay found himself 10 metres clear and through on goal after some tidy build up work from Boyle and Adam Taggart and dutifully smashed home both the Socceroos second and his second in a national team shirt from just four appearances.

The ever-reliable presence of Irvine provided Australia’s third as he capitalised on slick creativity from Millar and Velupillay down the right to belt home a finish after his first effort was saved back into his path.

Martin Boyle celebrates a goal. Picture: Getty Images

Craig Goodwin entered the fray in the second half and one of his first involvements was to deliver a peach of a corner onto the impressive Miller’s head for the Socceroos fourth.

He would back that up with another excellent delivery for Irvine to nod home his second of the night and 13th in a Socceroos shirt.

Those goals came either side of a strike from Ole Romeny, who is one of many of Dutch origin now in the Indonesian set-up, as he turned Jason Geria inside out with a wonderful flick and finish for a consolation goal in the 78th minute to give their plethora of fans something to cheer about.

THE BIG V

A surveying of the Socceroos team sheet before the game posed questions over just who would provide their creative spark in attack. But if there was one name that stood out as a potential x-factor it was that of Nishan Velupillay.

Nishan Velupillay scored a superb goal for the Socceroos. Picture: Getty Images

And it was the Melbourne Victory winger who lived up to that billing.

His excellent goal sent a wave of confidence through him, which he demonstrated with a raft of slick turns and passes, soon after.

He was undoubtedly Australia’s best player in their 17 minute match-winning spell in the first half.

SEA OF RED IN SYDNEY

You could be forgiven for thinking the game was held in downtown Jakarta rather than Sydney at times as the huge throng of Indonesian fans descended on Allianz stadium, packing the walkways outside the ground and the stands within.

They created a marvellous atmosphere but it did little to make Australia comfortable in their own surrounds.

Jackson Irvine celebrates in front of strong Indonesian support in the crowd. Picture: AFP

That was hammered home amid a chorus of boos for Australia’s first corner in front of the away fans.

That noise was soon silenced however as the Socceroos took charge.

WHAT NEXT?

Assignment one of this window completed, it’s a trip to China next for the Socceroos for Tuesday night’s away clash.

Another win is crucial with the June window comprising of a clash with group leaders Japan and then a brutal away trip to Saudi Arabia.

Australia has destiny in their own hands now in second place which is an automatic qualifying spot but must keep hold of it to avoid the treacherous playoffs.

Relive the win from Sydney in our blog below.

Originally published as Australia v Indonesia: Victory star to start for Socceroos in crucial World Cup Asian qualifier clash