Australia’s defender #19 Harry Souttar gestures to Indonesia’s forward #11 Rafael Struick at the end of the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup football match between Australia and Indonesia at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on January 28, 2024. (AFP/Guiseppe Cacace)
D
efender Alessandro Circati is relishing silencing the home fans when Australia face Indonesia away on Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier in front of an anticipated 78,000 crowd.
Graham Arnold's side made the worst possible start to the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup when they were stunned 1-0 at home by Bahrain last week.
The Socceroos need to get their campaign back on track but must do so at the cauldron that is the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, which can hold 78,000 and is sold out.
A big turnout of home support is expected at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, with the Indonesian team appearing in this phase of Asia's World Cup qualifiers for the first time.
The Indonesians will be buoyed by holding World Cup regulars Saudi Arabia to a 1-1 draw in Jeddah on Thursday, a result that underlines the challenge Australia faces.
The 20-year-old Circati, who plays in Italy for Parma, is looking forward to a hostile welcome.
"I think it should be energy to fuel your fire, it should get you going," said Circati, who made his debut for Australia in October last year, having also played for Italy at under-20 level.
"It makes me even want to win a bit more, to go against all these fans who are cheering against you, just to prove them wrong and to really show them it makes no difference to how I play."
Australia under Arnold are not known for their attacking verve, but Circati said on the eve of the clash: "I'd like to think in this game we can be a bit more creative, a bit more brave offensively and take maybe half a risk."
Indonesia started the third qualifying phase with a creditable 1-1 draw at Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia.
Australia captain Maty Ryan has stressed the Socceroos cannot afford to underestimate Indonesia.
"We know they're going to have quality that can hurt us if we're not on our game and if we don't take away the opportunity for them to do that through how we can play," Ryan said of their Shin Tae-yong coached opponents.
"We're focused on us and what we need to do and we're confident as a squad we can rebound from the other night and take a positive step towards this qualification."