Tony Popović’s Socceroos are back in the box seat for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, after a convincing 5-1 win over Indonesia at a heaving Allianz Stadium (Sydney) on Thursday night.
The Socceroos overcame a fast start in Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesian coaching debut, and a strong Indonesian fan presence to solidify second spot in Group C.
St Pauli midfielder Jackson Irvine scored two, while Martin Boyle, Lewis Miller and Nishan Velupillay also scored, as captain Mat Ryan produced an inspired performance after retaining the No.1 shirt.
It was Popović’s second win as Socceroos coach, and came after three draws, leaving him with an undefeated record.
“It’s humbling to be in this role, as head coach of Socceroos and it’s special,” Popović told network ten.
“Whoever you score five (goals) you have to be pleased. We can do better but we should be happy.
“Defensively we weren’t great today, the backline didn’t look comfortable. – it’s something we have to address. But we certainly looked dangerous going forward.
“We want to go to China and put on a better performance. It was a wonderful night, great atmosphere.”
Karačić returns after 27 months
Fran Karačić came on as a second half substitute and was busy, and Patrick Kluivert’s visitors went down swinging, scoring a late consolation.
The NK Lokomotiva captain, who made his first appearance since the 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 loss to Argentina.
He came on for goalscorer Lewis Miller and helped stave off Indonesia’s late onslaught at right wingback in Popović’s 3-4-3 formation.
Karačić, 28, almost scored in the dying minutes, unleashing a clever shot, that sailed just past the upright.
Having been recalled for the last match, a 2-2 draw in Bahrain, after losing his spot to Joe Gauci, Ryan’s impact was immediate, making a top-class early save before making himself large for an Indonesia penalty.
Indonesian Kevin Diks struck the upright with his eighth minute penalty, after Brisbane Roar’s Raphael Struick was fouled by US-based defender Kye Rowles.
Socceroos goal spree
VAR intervened moments later, to award the Socceroos a penalty, after full-back Lewis Miller was held in the box, before Hibernian attacker Martin Boyle slotted home calmly.
Moments later, Velupillay doubled Australia’s lead, taking advantage of Adam Taggart’s hustle, and cleverly looping the ball over keeper Maarten Paes.
Irvine netted a third after his initial attempt was saved. His chance after a great turn and run from Melbourne Victory’s Nishan Velupillay.
‘Team Garuda’ scored a late consolation via Oxford United attacker and Dutch youth international Ole Romeny, capitalising on a Jason Geria error.
Operation China
The win lifts the Socceroos to 10 points, still well behind runaway leaders Japan. But importantly it creates distance from the chasing pack, with the top two qualifying automatically for the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup.
A win over China on Thursday would leave the Socceroos in the box seat to advance as one of the two automatic qualifiers, alongside Japan. Third and fourth will enter the fifth round of Asian qualifying.
China is led by Branko Ivanković, the former Dinamo Zagreb and 1998 Croatia national team assistant coach.
Ivanković’s assistant is another ex-Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia (28 caps) defender Mario Tokić.
The win was even sweeter for Popović, whose squad has been injury hit. Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Harry Souttar (Sheffield United), Alessandro Circati (Parma), Jordan Bos (Westerlo) and Gauci (Barnsley) were all ruled out.
AUSTRALIA 5 (Boyle PEN 18′, Velupillay 20′, Irvine 35′, 90′, Miller 61′)
INDONESIA 1 (Romeny 78′)
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney