As it Happened: Australia vs. Indonesia
The Socceroos entered the round of 16 as group B champions after finishing the group stage with two victories and a tie. Their opponents, Indonesia, had advanced by way of being one of the top ranked third place teams having just one win and two losses.
As such, Australia was understandably heavily favoured coming into the matchup. However, this had been the case in every game they had played thus far and their form on the pitch had yet to reflect that sentiment.
This game proved to be no different. The match was back and forth early with the Aussies having the first threatening attacks with a pair of decent crosses, however neither of which were able to generate a shot on target.
Indonesia came right back with a big opportunity of their own as Rafael Struick got on the end of a cross but blistered the ball narrowly over the bar. After Australia’s initial rushes, it was Indonesia who had surprisingly controlled much of the ball in the matches opening ten minutes.
Despite this, Australia was able to catch a break in the 12th minute to open the games scoring. Jackson Irvine sent a ball into the box which took a deflection off Indonesian defender Elkan Baggot and found the back of the net. The score was 1-0 early, but they certainly had not been the dominant side.
The rest of the opening half had a similar tone to the opening 10 minutes as both teams had some chances, but it was the underdog Indonesian’s who had appeared to be the stronger side.
The Socceroos however did a much better job at capitalizing on chances when they got them. This was evident as in the 45th minute, with their first shot on goal all game, Martin Boyle made it 2-0 with a beautiful header.
So, Australia took a 2-0 lead to the dressing room despite once again playing down to the level of their opponent.
Not all that much changed in the second half. The pace of play was much slower and chances were few and far between but still, Australia wasn’t dominating the ball or suffocating Indonesia, it was very much an even matchup.
The Socceroos seemed content however to play defensively, not taking risks with the ball in their own half or sending too many men forward.
Not that it was needed, but Australia was able to eventually break through and find an insurance marker in the 89th minute as substitute Craig Goodwin made his impact felt by tapping in a rebound.
Australia would score again two minutes later with a header from Harry Souttar that put a bow on the game and made the final score 4-0.
Quarterfinal Matchup will be a step up in Competition
Australia will no doubt have to improve their level in the quarterfinal if they hope to advance to the final four. They will be playing the winner of Saudi Arabia and South Korea, both of whom are much stronger sides than any they have faced in the tournament thus far.
Little mistakes that they have been making all tournament and their recklessness with the ball will be punished heavily by Saudi Arabia or South Korea and as such must be cleaned up.
