The Socceroos have secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup 2023 after a 4-0 victory over Indonesia in Doha. The match saw the Socceroos dominate the field, with Jackson Irvine’s cross forcing an own goal from Elkan Baggott in the 12th minute, their earliest of the tournament. Martin Boyle doubled Australia’s lead in the 45th minute with a terrific diving header, taking the wind out of Indonesia’s sails. Craig Goodwin returned from injury to add a third in the 89th and Harry Souttar buried another in injury-time for Australia’s heaviest win of the tournament in front of 7,863 fans.
Despite the scoreline, there were some concerns for coach Graham Arnold. Realistically, only a lack of end product stopped Indonesia from scoring early, while Australia did not have a shot until Boyle’s goal just after half-time. They also didn’t record a second until the 80th minute. With a pro-Indonesia crowd bringing a loud, parochial atmosphere, Australia’s defence looked panicked.
