'All guns blazing': 80,000 Indonesians await as Socceroos seek salvation in Jakarta

Australia to face rampant Indonesia in front of hostile crowd

80,000 raucous Indonesian fans will pack into Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Thursday night as the Socceroos attempt to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive against their fierce rivals.

The Socceroos must avoid defeat against Indonesia to keep their slim hopes of automatic qualification alive. Anything less than a win is likely to leave them needing to navigate a treacherous playoff path.

A trip to third-placed Vietnam awaits the Socceroos in their final Group B match on Tuesday, but a hostile reception from the partisan Indonesian crowd and a rampant home side will make their task difficult.

Socceroos desperate to make a statement

The Socceroos have been in poor form in recent months, winning just one of their past five matches. They were held to a 2-2 draw against Oman in Muscat last week, a result that heaped pressure on coach Graham Arnold.

Arnold has made several changes to his squad for the Indonesia match, recalling Ajdin Hrustic and Mathew Leckie. The Socceroos will need to be at their best to overcome a passionate Indonesian side that has won its past three matches.

Indonesia is still in the hunt for a third-place finish in Group B, which would give them a chance to reach the third round of Asian qualifying. A win over the Socceroos would be a major boost to their hopes.

A fiery atmosphere awaits

The atmosphere in Jakarta is sure to be electric, with 80,000 passionate Indonesian fans expected to create a hostile environment for the Socceroos.

The Socceroos will need to be prepared for a physical battle, as well as the intimidation of the crowd. They will also need to be clinical in front of goal, as they are unlikely to get many chances.

A win for the Socceroos would be a major boost to their World Cup qualification hopes. A loss, however, would leave them needing a miracle to reach Qatar 2022.