On Sunday, Australia secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with a convincing 4-0 victory over Indonesia at Jassim bin Hamid Stadium. Elkan Baggott’s own goal and a diving header from Martin Boyle played pivotal roles in the Socceroos’ win, with the final score not reflecting the fact that Australia had to work hard for their quarterfinal ticket.
Graham Arnold’s men is now set to face South Korea this coming Friday, with a chance to advance to the semifinals and potentially claim their second Asian Cup title following their triumph in 2015.
The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Jackson Irvine’s shot deflected off Baggott, giving Australia the lead. Hibernian talisman Boyle then extended the advantage just before half-time, connecting with Gethin Jones’ cross from the right with a diving header.
Despite the significant FIFA ranking difference, Shin Tae-yong’s Indonesia displayed resilience throughout the match, with the goals that clinched Australia’s win being scored in the dying minutes of the game. Al-Wehda’s Craig Goodwin secured the third goal with a well-struck volley in the final minute, and shortly after, Leicester City defender Harry Souttar headed in the Socceroos’ fourth goal.
In the sixth minute, Indonesia had a chance with Rafael Struick’s first-time shot, but it went over the bar. Unfortunately for the Timnas Garuda, they fell behind in the 12th minute when St. Pauli ace Irvine penetrated the penalty area and fired a shot that went off Baggott, beating goalkeeper Ernando Ari at the near post.
In the 45th minute, Gethin Jones delivered a low cross from the right, and Boyle’s decisive header gave Australia a comfortable lead. Despite Indonesia’s efforts to rally, Goodwin sealed the result with a late volley, and Souttar added another goal two minutes later, ending Indonesia’s resistance and confirming Australia’s spot in the last eight.