Match Report
The Subway Socceroos have taken another important step towards qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, defeating China PR 2-0 in a Third Round AFC Asian Qualifier match in front of over 60,000 fans in Hangzhou.
Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay were the goalscorers in a dominant first-half display. Despite a reinvigorated effort from the home side in the second half, Australia remained composed and left China with the all-important three points and a welcome clean sheet.
The result means that Australia finish the March window second in Group C, with their nearest challengers Saudi Arabia three points behind them in third. Their remaining two games in Third Round Qualifying will take place in the next international window in June.
Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic made three changes to his starting eleven that defeated Indonesia 5-1 last week. Brandon Borrello came in for the injured Adam Taggart, Milos Degenek replaced Kye Rowles in the back line, and Ryan Teague slotted into midfield in place of Aiden O’Neill.
Teague became Subway Socceroo #649 when he took the field at the beginning of the game. The 23-year-old looked at home in Green and Gold, and was able to control proceedings and dictate the tempo of play.
