Coach Graham Arnold is confident the Socceroos can find their goalscoring form against Indonesia and book their ticket to the Asian Cup quarter-final in style.
The clash will be the first time both sides have faced off against each other since March 2010.
Australia will enter Sunday’s round-of-16 clash at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium as top of group B but off the back of scratchy form.
The Socceroos scored just four goals in three group games as they struggled to break down packed defences.
But ahead of Arnold’s 50th match at the helm since taking the reins full-time in 2018, he was adamant his charges were “just about to click”.
“The stats have shown that we’ve spent more minutes in the opponent’s half than anyone and we have more penalty box entries and more touches in the penalty box,” Arnold told AAP.
“I’ve just sat and watched Japan and South Korea, with Premier League players, struggle against packed defences.
“It’s just about getting combinations and the connections right and also the confidence.
“It’s all about getting players in the box and I feel that all the statistics and the data show that we’re getting a lot of players in the box and we’re getting those half-chances, which is good.
“But at the end of the day, the patterns and everything are going well – it’s just the end product of the cross or the shot or the cutback or the finish.
“Obviously, we’ve got improvement there and the boys, we’ve spoken about it, they clearly understand that we need to improve on that last pass or that last action.
“They know that as well as I do, and we’re doing our best.”
Striker Mitch Duke (hamstring) and winger Craig Goodwin (knee) appear in doubt after training away from the main group on Friday.
Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold and Assistant Coach, Rene Meulensteen look on during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Bangladesh at AAMI Park on November 16, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
If Australia beat world No.146 Indonesia, they’ll face either Saudi Arabia or South Korea.
Arnold’s current tenure has included 32 wins, 12 draws and seven losses.
“It’s been a pretty tough journey at times, especially given we’ve only played about 10 games out of 50 at home,” he said.
“The winning stats are good and I’ve been proud of the boys with what we’ve achieved.
“But it’s all about the next game and the 50th game – let’s have a win.”
Arnold’s expectations remain high in Doha.
“The Asian Cup is important for me. What’s a little bit disappointing at times is it’s not respected that way,” he said.
Martin Boyle of Australia celebrates with team mates after scoring his team’s first goal from a penalty kick during the AFC Asian Cup Group B match between Australia and Uzbekistan at Al Janoub Stadium on January 23, 2024 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
“For me, it’s the Asian equivalent of the Euros. It’s such a important tournament for the development and growth of the game, but also for the region of Asia.
“It’s a massive tournament and, of course, my expectations and my goals are to come here to win it, otherwise I wouldn’t bother being here – I’d rather stay home.
“That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’ve had one day off in three weeks.
“We’re here to do the nation proud and with the expectations and the goal to win it.”
Grem
Roar Rookie
Sire Johan – that’s much better than Bruce, what an ordinary name, especially from someone like you who came through the finest private schools. You may not believe me, but I love private schools. I love how they provide equal opportunities for students. They give dumb, but rich kids the chance to go to university and then get a high paying job using dad’s contacts. How good is that? All that while smart working class kids get low paid, blue collar jobs, allowing rich kids not to get their hands dirty. By the way, how did you enjoy watching the Wallabies at the World Cup.? They did pretty well. And then there’s the cricket and our great batting displays against Pakistan and India. They make you proud to be an Aussie. I’m not sure you would use the term Aussie, so they make you proud to be a rich Australian in a privileged position.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Hi Bruce, what did you think of our loss to the West Indies in cricket today. Let’s sack the coach and most of our batting line up!
Grem
Roar Rookie
I wonder if this is Bruce, the rugby union guy, who was quite funny at times? Saudi Arabia and financial resources, China and financial resources, etc – even Thailand, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, etc are actually pumping money into their teams. We’d be one of the poorest funded teams I’d imagine. I assume he was joking.
Garry
Roar Rookie
"The Socceroos should win this tournament given the huge financial resources at their disposal compared to many other teams in the tournament as well as their significant set piece advantage from the height of their players." lol so Japan the ME Korea and co lack financial resources?? and dont discount their height and skills either...
Sire Johan
Roar Rookie
The Socceroos should win this tournament given the huge financial resources at their disposal compared to many other teams in the tournament as well as their significant set piece advantage from the height of their players. The Socceroos have also benefited from some very dubious refereeing decisions (the penalty they were awarded v the Uzbeks was ridiculously harsh on the Uzbeks which was even acknowledged by Hill and Harper). The Socceroos should also be very grateful that several British born and bred players have elected to play for the Socceroos. After all, they could easily have chosen to play for the nation they were born and brought up in. Nonetheless they have still done Scottish football proud by being among the best players at this tournament, blocking dangerous shots and scoring penalties. Given all this, in my view, if the Socceroos don’t win this Asian Cup, Arnold must be replaced immediately.
Grem
Roar Rookie
The Socceroos’ and Arnold’s statistics are excellent – 32 wins, 12 draws and 7 losses. I’m assuming those losses include the games against England, Argentina, etc. It’s a shame Goodwin and Duke are injured as their presence would add a lot (as would Leckie’s). They have achieved good results so far, so I tend to believe they are close to clicking – let’s hope so. As I’ve said before, they seem to be the most scrutinised national team we have – unless they win and win well they are heavily criticised! All this in the biggest and most difficult sport on earth to achieve in! It seems unfair.