Australia triumphed over Indonesia 4-0 in the first game of the Asian Cup knockout stage at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
Despite the loud support of Indonesian fans, Australia managed to capitalize on their opportunities and secure their place in the quarter-finals.
It had been 43 years since Indonesia last defeated Australia, and this time was no different as the Australian side took the lead in the 12th minute with a deflection into the net by defender Elkan Baggott after Jackson Irvine’s cross.
Indonesia started the game on the front foot, giving Australia an early scare with an effort on goal.
However, Australia weathered the storm as Indonesia attempted to find a way through its staunch defense.
Boyle gave Australia a two-goal cushion on the stroke of halftime with a header at the far post after connecting with Gethin Jones’s cross.
While the goal celebrations were muted, concern arose when Boyle took a few moments to get back to his feet.
The 30-year-old soon got up and dusted himself off before continuing.
“I honestly don’t know, I just blanked out for a second. These balls are quite hard,” Boyle said with a laugh.
Indonesia tried their best to spur on their team, but Australia remained composed throughout the game.
Although they nearly found themselves in trouble when Jones deliberately tripped Rafael Struick off the ball in retaliation, the referee only cautioned Jones, who was immediately taken off by Arnold.
Craig Goodwin came on as a late substitute and made an immediate impact when he pounced on a rebound to score in the 89th minute while towering defender Harry Souttar made it 4-0 moments later with a glancing header from a set piece.
Australia’s coach, Graham Arnold, praised Indonesia for making it a tough match.
“Physically, they were very big and strong. The quality that we’ve got up front came through today,” he said. Arnold also noted the individual belief and more relaxed playing style he saw from his team. “It’s good to have a great system of play and it’s good to have great attacking patterns.”
On the other hand, Indonesia’s coach, Shin Tae-yong, said he was proud of his young side despite the four goals they conceded.
“I don’t think we lost in terms of the performance level and one of the reasons was the players did well. We lost because there’s a level of difference, experience and concentration,” he said.
“Someday we’re going to play at a similar level against Australia.”
With this win, Australia advances to the quarter-finals and awaits their next challenge against either Saudi Arabia or South Korea.
