Australia’s Harry Souttar celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal. AFP
Doha, Qatar: Australia yesterday cruised into the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup after a 4-0 thrashing of Indonesia, setting up a heavyweight clash against Saudi Arabia or South Korea.
The Graham Arnold’s side remained solid against Indonesia, who put up a spirited fight but fatigue cost them two late goals as they bowed out of the tournament with their best-ever finish in the tournament.
Australia's Jackson Irvine shoots at the goal as the ball deflects off Indonesia's Elkan Baggott into the net, giving the Socceroos their opening goal. RIGHT: Australia players celebrate.
At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Australia went ahead early in the match with Elkan Baggott’s own-goal while Martin Boyle doubled their lead just before the break.
Craig Goodwin came off the bench to score late in the match before Harry Souttar’s injury-time goal sealed an emphatic victory for the Socceroos, who are seeking their second title.
They will now wait for tomorrow’s last 16 clash between title contenders Saudi Arabia and South Korea to determine their rivals for the Friday’s quarter-finals.
“Indonesia made it tough for us, physically they were very big and strong. They put up a lot of pressure on us. We told the boys to be ready for a fight and a physical battle,” Arnold said after the win.
Backed by their passionate fans, Indonesia had their moments in the match as Shin Tae-yong’s side started their maiden Asian Cup last 16 match on a bright note putting pressure on the 2015 champions with attempts from Rafael Struick and Yakob Sayuri in first 10 minutes.
But they soon suffered a setback when Baggott deflected Jackson Irvine’s strike into his own net in the 12th minute as Australia got the lead they wanted.
Ranked 121 places below their opponents in FIFA Rankings, Indonesia were building up well and saw Justin Hubner’s shot from outside the box blocked by goalkeeper Maty Ryan before Yakob Sayuri missed the target three minutes before half-time.
By that time, Australia, who were busy in slowing down Indonesia’s pace, had no shot on target but their first attempt of the match in 45th minute was enough to extend their lead.
Gethin Jones with a remarkable cross from the right picked up Boyle, who headed the ball in from a close range as Australia went comfortably for a break.
Australia’s players applaud the fans after defeating Indonesia.
Indonesia again had a strong start as they pushed for a goal but they ran out of gas as the match progressed.
That opened opportunities for Arnold’s side for more goals and Mitchell Duke should have scored in 80th minute but he missed the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Goodwin, who did not play in Australia’s last two games due to injury, was substituted in 87th minute and he took just two minutes to make an impact.
Fans celebrate Australia's victory.
The Al Wehda player volleyed the ball in from the centre of the box on a rebound after goalkeeper Ernando Ari blocked Irvine’s shot.
Souttar then headed the ball from a close range off Goodwin’s cross to wrap up win in first minute of injury-time.
Coach Shin was disappointed at 4-0 defeat, saying an own-goal cost his team which was impressive against their higher-ranked opponents.
“If we had not conceded this unlucky deflected first goal maybe things could have been different. We did not play badly and regardless of the four goals, I want to thank my players,” he said.
