483530711_2508455066205970_5577620514850741421_n

The Socceroos in action in their new kit at the Sydney Football Stadium during a World Cup qualifier against Indonesia. Photo: Will Booth/Round Ball Australia

The Sydney Football Stadium was the venue for the Socceroos crucial World Cup Qualifier against Indonesia, but with the amount of Indonesian red seen in the crowd, it may have been tough to work that out for those watching from home.

Tony Popovic had already come under fire with his initial 26-man squad picked for this international window, and it seemed that he did not have any regard for his perception in the public after naming his starting side with a few curveballs thrown for good measure.

Alex Grant, Nectar Triantis, and Marco Tilio were the unfortunate three not surviving the cut once the squad was reduced to 23 players, but they could have a chance to play on Tuesday against China in the second game during this window.

The major talking points of the starting line-up were found in the forward areas, with Popovic choosing to deploy recently called-up Nishan Velupillay over the experienced Craig Goodwin at left wing, where the latter has often looked like the best player on the park for the Socceroos.

Adam Taggart also got the nod to start up front for the Socceroos after Mitch Duke was dropped for this run of fixtures having been a mainstay of the side since he was recalled in 2021.

Kusini Yengi, who excited in his first few appearances for the national team, was held back on the bench after only recently returning to the field for his club side Portsmouth after a lengthy injury spell.

It was an A-League player that created the first pivotal moment of the match, but not one of the names you might have had in mind. Brisbane Roar’s social media sensation Rafael Struick found himself through on goal after Cam Burgess missed a headed clearance.

Kye Rowles came across to cover, however Struick’s touch took it past him and Rowles just about made contact that was enough to bring the attacker down in the end.

Kevin Diks was the player to step up to take, and maybe it was justice for what some called a soft penalty decision, but nonetheless Socceroos fans all over breathed a sigh of relief as he blasted his effort high up on the post to Mat Ryan’s left.

Eight minutes later and the penalty controversies continued, however it was the Socceroos benefiting this time with an assist from VAR who spotted Lewis Miller being dragged down in the box. Martin Boyle learned from Diks’ earlier attempt, opting for finesse as he placed his penalty calmly into the bottom left corner.

Velupillay once again proved his doubters wrong and netted in a green and gold kit for the second time, just two minutes after the penalty as well, capitalising on what was either a great ball from Taggart, or a shocking back pass from Thom Haye.

Jackson Irvine made it three in the 34th minute, being the quickest to react to his initial shot which was saved, showing great technique to guide the bouncing ball into the top-right corner.

Lewis Miller added a fourth in the 61st minute finding himself free from a Craig Goodwin corner, all but ending Indonesia’s chances of winning. Indonesia were able to score a late goal through Ole Romeny, after a fumbled attempt at clearing the ball from Jason Geria.

Irvine was able to find a second in the match to round it out 5-1 to the Socceroos, who somehow looked even more threatening from set pieces without Harry Souttar in the side.

Regardless of the late slip, seeing out the game in a calm fashion was a new but reassuring feeling, with the Socceroos able to take the sting out of the game for the rest of the 90 minutes after half-time.

Popovic was rewarded with his team selection in the end, favouring players that were known to him and that are aware of his system over the players that could be said are in a richer vein of form.

If the side lacked cohesion roughly six months into the reign of Tony Popovic, then questions would had to have been asked of him. Instead, this performance had the signs of a much more well-drilled side who confidently overcame a rocky start.

We are starting to further understand the type of Socceroos side that Popovic envisions and is able to implement, and as was said when he first took over, it is going to be an assured and solid team philosophy moving forward.

“This window is the first time I’ve felt in training, around the hotel, that this group is now starting to build into something going forward.” Popovic said on the teams cohesiveness.

“I want to play my part in helping these players do something special.

“I’m honoured to be a part of this group.”

This was a much more mature performance, and with the amount of pressure riding on this match it was reassuring to see the occasion not get to the players’ heads.

Although Australia now has some slight breathing room, the Socceroos look ahead to China on Tuesday night, with each one of the remaining games vital to their World Cup Qualification prospects.

ADULT: Round Ball Australia 24/25 Home Kit

ADULT: Round Ball Australia 24/25 Home Kit

$65.00
Shop now
Tags: