China's national football team faced a challenging night in Adelaide on Thursday, falling 3-1 to Australia in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier.
Despite a promising start, the Chinese side couldn't maintain their early momentum. In the 20th minute, Zhang Yuning skillfully headed the ball to Xie Wenneng, who surged into the penalty area and netted his first international goal, giving China an unexpected lead.
As the first half drew to a close, Australia intensified their efforts. In stoppage time, Craig Goodwin delivered a precise free kick from the left wing, finding Lewis Miller who headed the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
The Socceroos capitalized on their resurgence early in the second half. Just seven minutes in, Goodwin unleashed a powerful shot into the left corner, leaving Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei with little chance to react, and putting Australia ahead 2-1.
China's hopes of a comeback were dashed in the dying moments of the match. In the third minute of stoppage time, a defensive miscue by Li Yuanyi allowed Australia's Nishan Velupillay to seize the opportunity amidst a goalmouth scramble, sealing the 3-1 victory for the hosts.
This defeat marks China's third consecutive loss in the third stage of the qualifiers, placing them at the bottom of Group C. In contrast, Australia's win propels them to second place, bolstering their chances of advancing.
Looking ahead, China will host Indonesia on October 15 in Qingdao, located in east China's Shandong Province. The match presents an opportunity for China to rebound and earn their first points in the group. Meanwhile, Australia is set to visit group leaders Japan, who remain unbeaten after a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia earlier on Thursday.
In other Group C action, Bahrain and Indonesia played to a 2-2 draw, positioning them in fourth and fifth place respectively. With Japan atop the group with nine points, the competition for the remaining qualification spots intensifies.
Reference(s):
China fall to Australia 3-1 in 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier
cgtn.com
