The Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign suffered another blow after a 0-0 draw with Indonesia.
Desperate for victory after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Bahrain last week on the Gold Coast, the Australians performed better on a spongy pitch in Jakarta on Tuesday night.
However, despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Socceroos failed to score for the second game in a row.
Dutch-born Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes made a series of saves to deny the visitors, but the Socceroos should have made better use of the opportunities they had.
In total, Australia had 19 shots to Indonesia’s five, and 15 corners compared to the hosts’ three.
However, in front of more than 70,000 fans, the determined Indonesians, ranked 133rd in the world, held on to come away with just one point from two AFC third qualifying round games.
The Socceroos’ hopes of securing a top-two finish in their group, which would guarantee them a place at the 2026 World Cup, are already under threat, with a win against China in Adelaide next month essential.
The Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup qualification has suffered another setback after a 0-0 draw with Indonesia. Australia’s Samuel Silvera battles for the ball against Indonesia’s Rizki Ridho Ramadhani
After a nervous start, the Socceroos settled into the match and dominated the first half but were unable to find the back of the net.
Defender Harry Souttar had chances in the 21st and 23rd minutes, but was denied by goalkeeper Paes on both occasions.
It took a while for excitement machine Nestory Irankunda to make his mark on the game, missing a header on target in the 27th minute.
However, he was unlucky not to give the Socceroos the lead seven minutes later with a powerful long-range shot that hit the post before hitting Paes’ legs and somehow failing to find its way into the back of the net.
Paes was called into action again in the 35th minute when left winger Craig Goodwin burst into Indonesia’s penalty area and fired a shot straight at the gloveman.
Indonesia’s goalkeeper continued to come to his side’s rescue in the second half, denying Socceroos substitute Adam Taggart a goal in the 67th minute.
However, despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Socceroos failed to score for the second game in a row. Australia’s Nestory Irankunda reacts after suffering an injury
His replacement partner Awer Mabil also had a chance 10 minutes later but failed to direct a header on target after Aziz Behich’s cross found him at the far post.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has made five changes to the side that started last Thursday’s shock defeat to Bahrain.
Three of the changes came in attack, with teenage sensation Irankunda, veteran striker Mitch Duke and exciting winger Sammy Silvera all called up to the starting line-up.
Midfielder Keanu Baccus and centre-back Cameron Burgess have also been called up to Australia’s starting XI.
The five players to leave were centre-back Kye Rowles, midfielders Aiden O’Neill and Connor Metcalfe, winger Martin Boyle and striker Kusini Yengi.
Metcalfe suffered an injury in training, while Kusini was suspended after being sent off against the Bahrainis.