Indonesia can hurt us: Aussie captain

Australia captain Mathew Ryan has stressed that the Socceroos cannot afford to underestimate Indonesia on Sept 10, as they go into their World Cup qualifier in Jakarta needing to bounce back from the surprise last-gasp loss to Bahrain five days earlier.

A late Harry Souttar own goal handed the Gulf side a 1-0 win on the Gold Coast in the opening match of Asia's third round of qualifying for the 2026 Finals, leaving Graham Arnold's side trailing in the early running in Group C.

Japan and Bahrain top the standings on three points, with the top two sides in the six-team group securing automatic qualification for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

With little margin for error, Ryan warned his teammates that they have to be on their toes, regardless of the opponent.