Match Report
It was a positive start to the Tony Popovic era with a 3-1 victory over China PR at Adelaide Oval on Thursday in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026™ Third Round Asian Qualifier.
In front of a record-breaking 46,291 crowd - the highest-ever attendance for a Socceroos match in Adelaide - Australia got their qualification campaign back on track with a hard-fought comeback win thanks to goals from Lewis Miller, Craig Goodwin and debutant Nishan Velupillay, marking an encouraging start under the new head coach.
Popovic selected Adelaide local Joe Gauci in goal, while, at the back, Thomas Deng lined up alongside Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles in a three-man defence, with Miller and Aziz Behich providing width at wing-back.
In midfield, Jackson Irvine, who wore the armband, partnered Aiden O’Neill. The attacking trio featured local favourites Goodwin and Nestory Irankunda, with Mitch Duke leading the line.
The Socceroos applied early pressure in the opening 15 minutes, with Goodwin finding space as he drifted inside from the right wing. Goodwin won a few free kicks and delivered several corners, but the Chinese defence were able to clear away the danger.
Despite the Socceroos enjoying possession in the Chinese half, it was China who struck first in the 20th minute. A long ball from the goalkeeper Wang Dalei was not dealt with by the Australian defence, allowing Zhang Yuning to knock it down for Xie Wenneng.
Wenneng brushed past Harry Souttar before finishing past Joe Gauci, placing the ball into the bottom corner to give China a 1-0 lead against the run of play.
