First Half, Indonesia Trails 0-3 from Australia

SYDNEY, THURSDAY – The Indonesian national team fell behind 0-3 against Australia in the Group C match of the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Sydney, Australia, Thursday (20/3/2025). Loose defense made Indonesia's goal easily conceded and will make it difficult to break the curse of always losing on Australian soil. Previously, Indonesia had lost five times when playing away in Australia.

Indonesia began the match against Australia with sharp attacks through Ole Lenard Romenij and Rafael William Struick. The Garuda team even had a golden opportunity after Calvin Verdonk's free kick was headed by Jay Noah Idzes toward the goal. However, the ball was still deflected by Australia's goalkeeper, Mathew Ryan.

Indonesia's opportunity to score again arose after Struick was brought down in the penalty box. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. However, Kevin Diks, who took the penalty, failed to convert the golden opportunity into a goal. The ball hit the goalpost and failed to put Indonesia in the lead.

Indonesia, with its ambition to win the match, continued to apply pressure with a high defensive line near the center circle. This situation was utilized by Australia to launch quick attacks on Indonesia's goal.

In the 13th minute, the swift attack forced Jay Idzes to clear the ball out of play, granting Australia a corner kick. That moment marked the beginning of Indonesia's misfortune.

The corner kick was deflected by Jay's header, but Nathan Tjoe A On committed a foul by pulling Lewis Miller in the penalty box. This time, it was Australia's turn to be awarded a penalty kick by the referee.

Martin Boyle, who served as Australia's executor, successfully defeated Indonesia's goalkeeper Maarten Paes in the 18th minute. The score became 1-0 in favor of the Socceroos.

Two minutes later, Australia again took advantage of Indonesia's loose defense to launch a quick counterattack. Nishan Velupillay escaped the Indonesian defenders to advance alone and break through Paes' goal for the second time.

Indonesian players were eager to reply to both goals with attacks through inaccurate long passes. In contrast, Australia who defended more calmly was able to carry out effective attacks.

In the 34th minute, Australia made another deadly attack. Jackson Irvine, who was not well guarded, fired a shot in the penalty box. The ball was blocked by Paes but returned to Irvine. Irvine fired a second shot and this time it penetrated Indonesia's goal for the third time. The score of 3-0 lasted until halftime.