- Clash will not air on Channel 10, only on Paramount+
- Socceroos need win after shock 1-0 defeat to Bahrain
- The match will kick off on Tuesday at 22:00 AEST in Jakarta, with torrential rain expected before the match.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has demanded a response from his players against Indonesia following a dismal start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
This comes as fans are outraged on social media, with the showdown set to stream only on Paramount+ from 9.30pm AEST on Tuesday night.
“Please show the game on FTA,” one fan pleaded on Instagram.
A second posted: ‘Should be live on free to air TV… it really is quite embarrassing.’
A third commented: “Channel 10 is ruining the game.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s bid to qualify directly for football’s top stage in 2026 hit an early hurdle with a Terrible 1-0 home defeat to Bahrain on the Gold Coast last Thursday.
The Socceroos were also criticised for their lack of creativity against the 80th-ranked nation in the world, after having 70 per cent of the ball but firing just four weak shots on target.
Asked about Indonesia’s players, Arnold was quick to focus attention on his players ahead of Tuesday night’s match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has demanded a response from his players against Indonesia following a dismal start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
A win in Jakarta is a must after last week’s shock 1-0 defeat to Bahrain on the Gold Coast (pictured, striker Mitch Duke)
“We know their strengths, we know the system they play and the style they play,” he said.
‘It’s just about playing our game well and making sure our mentality (is good).
“Obviously we didn’t get the right result in the first game, but for me the important thing is to see the reaction of the players in this game.”
Veteran left-back Aziz Behich echoed Arnold’s sentiments, noting that the players are upbeat.
“It’s clear that we’re all disappointed. This isn’t the way we wanted to start this stage,” he said.
‘We know that as a group we were below our level, there is no doubt about that, but it all depends on how we react and how we respond mentally.
“Obviously, before this game we have to put it behind us, it’s just one game. We have a lot of games ahead of us, but now we just have to concentrate on this game against Indonesia.
‘The group has been great. We’ve had a few good sessions here. The guys have recovered well and it’s more about staying positive, obviously knowing that we can be better and we will be.
“That’s been the main message, especially to the younger guys. Everyone is excited and the atmosphere will definitely be great. For a footballer, there’s nothing better than playing in front of a full stadium.”
The crowd that will fill the 78,000-capacity stadium will be fiercely parochial.
Arnold indicated this could put pressure on Indonesia to perform at their best, and hoped the Socceroos could handle the heat.
