Australian Coach Refuses To Underestimate Indonesia

The Australian National Team coach, Tony Popovic, did not want to see Indonesia turn a blind eye (Instagram/@socceroos).

JAKARTA Australian National Team Coach Tony Popovic refused to underestimate the Indonesian national team when they met in the continued match of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualifiers.

Australia is scheduled to host Indonesia in the seventh Group C match at the Sydney Football Stadium, Australia, on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 16.10 WIB.

Popovic said that the Australian public clearly expects their country to win this match, but on the other hand Indonesia has experienced a significant increase after the addition of diaspora players.

"We drew with them in away matches. This group is very tight. So, there is no reason to underestimate Indonesia," Popovic said as quoted by Reuters.

Currently Japan is still at the top of Group C with a collection of 16 points, the result of five wins and one draw. Japan has a big chance to be the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from Group C.

While Australia sits right behind Japan and is only one point ahead of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China. Thus, the competition for one ticket remains so tight.

Popovic realized that their chance to catch up with Japan really depends on how to fight Indonesia tomorrow. However, Indonesia was able to get three points against Saudi Arabia in the last match.

"I think the reason is pretty clear. The last result they proved was against Saudi Arabia," said Popovic, who took over the Socceroos coach from Graham Arnold late last year.

Of the six matches that have been played, Australia has won once, drawn four times, and lost once. Meanwhile, Indonesia won three times, drew three times, and lost twice.