Socceroos major fail second time in a row

The Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign has suffered another blow after being held to a 0-0 draw by Indonesia.

Desperate for victory after suffering a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain last week on the Gold Coast, the Australians produced a better performance on a spongy pitch in Jakarta on Tuesday night,

However, despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Socceroos failed to score for the second game in succession.

Indonesia’s Netherlands-born goalkeeper Maarten Paes made a host of saves to deny the visitors, but the Socceroos should have done better with the chances they had.

Overall, Australia had 19 shots to Indonesia’s five and 15 corners compared with the hosts’ three.

However, in front of more than 70,000 fans, the resolute Indonesians held on to leave Australia with just one point from two games in the third round of AFC qualifiers.

The Socceroos’ hopes of a top-two berth in their group, which would guarantee them a spot in the 2026 World Cup, are already under threat, with a win against China in Adelaide next month essential.

After a nervous start, the Socceroos settled into the contest and dominated the first half but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Defender Harry Souttar had chances in the 21st and 23rd minutes but was foiled on both occasions by goalkeeper Paes.

Excitement machine Nestory Irankunda took a while to make an impression on the contest, failing to direct a header on target in the 27th minute.

However, he was unlucky not to give the Socceroos the lead seven minutes later with a blistering long-distance strike that hit the post before hitting the legs of Paes and somehow not finding its way into the back of the net.

Paes was again called into action in the 35th minute when left winger Craig Goodwin charged into Indonesia’s penalty area and had a shot that he directed straight at the gloveman.

Indonesia’s goalkeeper continued to come to his side’s rescue in the second half, denying Socceroos substitute Adam Taggart in the 67th minute.

Fellow replacement Awer Mabil also had a chance 10 minutes later but failed to direct a header on target after being found at the far post by a floated cross from Aziz Behich.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold made five changes to the team that started in last Thursday’s shock loss to Bahrain.

Three of the changes came in attack, with teenage sensation Irankunda, veteran striker Mitch Duke and exciting winger Sammy Silvera called into the starting team.

Midfielder Keanu Baccus and centre-back Cameron Burgess were also recalled to Australia’s starting 11.

The five players to drop out were centre-back Kye Rowles, midfielders Aiden O’Neill and Connor Metcalfe, winger Martin Boyle and striker Kusini Yengi.

Metcalfe suffered an injury in training, while Yengi was suspended after being sent off against the Bahrainis.