Socceroos make Indonesia pay for early penalty miss in World Cup qualifying romp

Australia overcome slow start to thrash Group C rivals 5-1 in SydneyJackson Irvine scores two to edge hosts closer to qualification

Across the opening 15 minutes of this World Cup qualifier, the Socceroos looked like they were being swept away by Indonesia. Any suggestions of the eventual 5-1 scoreline would have been laughable. Travelling supporters and the local Indonesian diaspora made a mockery of any home advantage, as a sea of red surrounded the Sydney Football Stadium pitch before kick-off, auguring a tide of furious pressure and intent upon the opening whistle.

In just the fifth minute, a free-kick swung in from the right by Calvin Verdonk beat the outstretched head of Cameron Burgess and found Jay Idzes, whose resulting header forced Mat Ryan into a diving save. The roar from the stands felt like it shook the foundations. Two minutes later, a ball lofted over the top of the defensive line fell for Rafael Struick, who was clipped by Kye Rowles for a penalty.

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