Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is demanding a positive reaction from his players against Indonesia after a horror start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Australia's bid to directly qualify for football's grandest stage in 2026 hit an early speed bump with a dire 1-0 home loss to Bahrain on the Gold Coast last Thursday.
The Socceroos also came under fire for their lack of creativity against the world No. 80, after having 70 per cent of the ball but firing just four tame shots on goal.
When asked about Indonesia's players, Arnold was quick to turn the focus onto his charges ahead of Tuesday night's game at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
"We know their strengths, we know their system that they play and their style that they play," he said.
"It's just about getting our game right and making sure our mentality (is good).
"We obviously didn't have the right result the first game but for me it's about seeing the reaction from the players in this game."
Veteran left-back Aziz Behich echoed Arnold's sentiments and stressed the players had got back to work with a positive attitude.
"Obviously we were all disappointed. Not the way we wanted to start this phase," he said.
"We know as a group we were below par, there's no doubt about it, but it's all about how we react and how we respond mentally.
"Obviously leading into this game we've got to put this game behind us, it's only one game. We've got a lot of games ahead of us but we've just got to focus on this Indonesia game now.
"The group's been great. We've had a good few sessions here. The boys have recovered well and it's more about just being positive, obviously knowing that we can be better and we will be better.
"That's been the main messaging, especially to the younger boys as well. Everyone's excited and no doubt the atmosphere's going to be great - so as a footballer there's nothing better than playing in front of a full stadium."
The sellout crowd at the 78,000-capacity stadium is expected to be fiercely parochial.
Arnold indicated that could pile pressure on Indonesia to perform, and expected the Socceroos to handle the heat.
The Socceroos' official pre-match training session was called off due to torrential rain at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, with organisers wanting to preserve the pitch.
Australia instead had to return to their training base for their final session.
Kusini Yengi (suspension) won't play, with John Iredale a late call-up to the squad, while midfielder Keanu Baccus should return.
The Challenge of Indonesia
Indonesia will be a tough opponent for the Socceroos, particularly in front of a roaring home crowd. Despite their lower FIFA ranking of 133, they've shown they can compete with the best in Asia, as evidenced by their 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in their opening qualifier.
This Indonesian side is a far cry from the team Australia comfortably defeated 4-0 at the Asian Cup earlier this year. The current squad boasts a European-born core, with many players naturalized due to their Indonesian heritage, making them a more formidable and unpredictable opponent.
The Importance of a Reaction
The pressure is on for the Socceroos to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Bahrain. The match against Indonesia represents a vital opportunity for the team to regain their composure, prove their mettle, and put themselves back in the race for automatic qualification.
Arnold has made it clear that he expects a strong response from his players, and he has named a starting XI that suggests he is looking for more attacking intent.
Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda will start after impressive performances off the bench, while Sammy Silvera gets a chance to shine with his blistering pace.
The Road Ahead
The road to the 2026 World Cup is just beginning, and a win against Indonesia would provide a much-needed boost to the Socceroos' confidence and momentum.
With Japan already topping Group C after a dominant 7-0 victory against China, the pressure is on for the Socceroos to secure crucial points in their remaining matches. The top two teams in the group will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the remaining teams will have to navigate a more challenging path.
A Must-Win Encounter
Australia's performance against Indonesia will be a significant indicator of their ability to cope with the challenges of Asian qualification. The game is a must-win encounter for the Socceroos, who need to show they can overcome adversity and deliver a convincing performance in a hostile environment.
With a strong squad and experienced coaching, the Socceroos have the potential to achieve success in the World Cup qualifiers. But they must avoid complacency, stay focused, and deliver the kind of performance that will silence their critics and reignite their ambitions.
The Final Whistle
The Socceroos face a tough test against Indonesia, but they have the quality and experience to overcome this challenge. A positive result will be essential to set the tone for the rest of their World Cup qualifying campaign. It's time for the Socceroos to rise to the occasion, demonstrate their resilience, and prove they are worthy contenders for a place in football's greatest tournament.
