Jackson Irvine netted a brace as Australia dominated Indonesia 5-1, spoiling Patrick Kluivert’s debut as head coach in Thursday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier in Sydney.
Martin Boyle, Nishan Vellupillay, and Lewis Miller also found the net for Australia, while Ole Romeny—one of two debutants for Indonesia—grabbed a consolation goal for the Timnas Garuda.
Indonesia got off to a dream start, winning a penalty just eight minutes in after Kye Rowles clipped Rafael Struick in the box. However, Kevin Diks—typically reliable from the spot for FC Copenhagen—failed to convert, striking the right post of Maty Ryan’s goal.
Unlike his predecessor Shin Tae-yong, who favored a more patient approach reliant on sudden counterattacks, Kluivert implemented a high defensive line to make Indonesia more aggressive in attack. By pushing the backline higher up the pitch, he aimed to increase pressure on Australia, maintain possession in advanced areas, and disrupt the Socceroos‘ buildup play.
However, this aggressive approach left Indonesia vulnerable to Australia’s quick counterattacks, and Tony Popovic’s side capitalized in the 18th minute. Nathan Tjoe-A-On—a surprise inclusion in the squad given his limited game time at Swansea City this season—brought down Miller in the box, conceding a penalty. Boyle then calmly sent Maarten Paes the wrong way to break the deadlock.
Just two minutes later, Australia doubled their lead. Nishan—who chose to represent Australia over Sri Lanka—burst through the center, slicing open Indonesia’s defense before deftly clipping the ball past an onrushing Paes and into the net.
With limited preparation time, Kluivert’s squad faced significant adjustments—not only to his tactical approach, which differed greatly from Tae-yong’s, but also to the integration of new players like Romeny, Dean James, Emil Audero, Joey Pelupessy, and Septian Bagaskara. This lack of cohesion became evident in Australia’s third goal in the 34th minute. St. Pauli striker Irvine was left completely unmarked in the box, allowing him to fire a powerful shot from close range. Although Paes managed to parry the initial effort, the rebound fell straight back to Irvine, who calmly slotted it home with no Indonesian defender in sight.
Indonesia’s defensive struggles were exposed again in the 60th minute when Miller was left unmarked, allowing him to powerfully head home a Craig Goodwin corner, extending Australia’s lead to 4-0.
Despite their defensive struggles, Indonesia continued to press in search of a breakthrough. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Romeny weaved past Jason Geria and fired a well-placed shot past Ryan, giving the Timnas Garuda a slight glimmer of hope.
However, Australia restored their four-goal cushion in the 90th minute. A lapse in concentration during an Indonesian defensive set-piece allowed Irvine to capitalize, slotting home his second goal of the match and sealing a dominant victory for the Socceroos.
Under immense pressure from fans who still favor Tae-yong, Kluivert will have a chance to redeem himself and make a strong impression when Indonesia hosts Bahrain at Gelora Bung Karno on March 25. Meanwhile, Australia will travel to Hangzhou to face China on the same day.