As the Socceroos gear up for a pivotal clash against Indonesia, the anticipation is palpable among players and fans alike. In the lead-up to this crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier on March 20, 2025, at Sydney's Allianz Stadium, both the squad and their coach Tony Popovic are determined to set the record straight after a disappointing performance in their last encounter against Indonesia, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Daniel Arzani, one of the more controversial selections for this match, is in the spotlight following recent criticism from Coach Popovic, who expressed concerns about Arzani's performance during training just two months ago. “His level was really poor in training,” Popovic said. “I know Daniel well; he’s got potential. We’ve been talking about that since he was 18. He’s now 26 — he needs to raise his level.” However, this time around, Popovic has extended a second chance to Arzani, and defenders have noticed a noticeable shift in his attitude.
Jason Geria, a fellow Socceroo and former teammate from Melbourne Victory, stated, “Danny’s a lot wiser than some assume, and he took those comments on board. He’s looked good in training these last couple of days, so I’m sure if Danny plays, he’ll be able to make a good contribution.” Geria emphasized Arzani’s technical skills, saying, “In his prime, he’s one of the players with the most technical ability that this country has. When he’s flying, he’s almost unstoppable.”
The Socceroos have a mountain to climb in their qualifications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with an urgent need to secure six points from their upcoming matches against both Indonesia and China. Geria underscored the importance of these matches: “Six points is the target from these two games, and that’s clear for everyone. The process is what gets us there.”
In the previous match against Indonesia, which took place in September 2024, Australia failed to capitalize on opportunities, resulting in a scoreless draw. Popovic has acknowledged the game’s implications, urging the team not to underestimate their opponents who recently triumphed over Saudi Arabia with a stunning 2-0 win. “We drew with them away, the group is very tight, so there is no reason to underestimate Indonesia,” Popovic noted, adding, “Their last result proves that against Saudi Arabia, so that hasn’t crossed our minds.”
The atmosphere in the Socceroos camp is charged ahead of the Indonesia match. Players like veteran Aziz Behich report a sense of brotherhood and energy among teammates. “We’ve always said that within those four walls it’s about brotherhood,” said Behich. “Whether it’s myself with a lot of caps or someone coming in new, you’ve got to treat playing for the Socceroos like it might not be there tomorrow.” With so much at stake, the Socceroos are treating this match seriously, even as they enjoy the camaraderie within their ranks.
On March 25, the team will face off against China, a match that is equally important for their qualification prospects. Popovic is well aware of the pressure and expectations: “The players know the magnitude of the games and how important they are. They’re enjoying that challenge and expectations, and they’ll be relaxed and confident and prepared.” The players’ morale is buoyed, notably with the timely return of striker Kusini Yengi, who scored in a recent international friendly.
As the Socceroos look ahead to the match against Indonesia, they are deeply aware that the road to qualification is fraught with challenges. History, too, has not always favored the Australians in these high-stakes encounters. In their previous outings, particularly a surprising 0-0 stalemate in Jakarta, the team was reminded that complacency can lead to disastrous results. With the group dynamics at play, Australia is only one point ahead of Indonesia in their quest for qualification, and the urgency is palpable as they prepare to turn the page on prior missteps.
This coming week presents a significant opportunity for the Socceroos, as they aim for a win that will not only boost their standing in the World Cup qualifications but also rejuvenate the fanbase's enthusiasm following an extended break since their last match, a 2-2 draw against Bahrain in November 2024.
Fans will be paying close attention as the team heads into this match, hoping for a display of skill and determination. The Socceroos are set against the backdrop of expectations from home supporters, with Popovic asserting, “The expectation from the Australian public, that’s what it should be.” For the team, success on March 20 is not just about the three points; it’s about restoring pride and continuing the legacy of Australian football on a global stage.
