Subway Socceroos defeat China PR 2-0 in impressive away performance
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.
Australia came out of the blocks quickly. They adapted well to a massive home crowd and were able to apply early pressure to China, with Martin Boyle hitting the side netting at the back post in the opening exchanges.
It would be Jackson Irvine who would find the breakthrough in the 16th minute. His first shot from the edge of the area deflected back into his path. Undeterred, he managed to turn away from the defence onto his left boot and curl a gorgeous strike into the back of the net. It was Irvine's third goal of the international window and a crucial one for the Socceroos.
Less than 15 minutes later, Nishan Velupillay scored his second of the window. The ball bounced to the Melbourne Victory forward after a challenging cross towards the penalty area. His shot wrong-footed Wang Dalei who was unable to make the save.
The Socceroos entered half-time two goals to the good after a dominant first 45 minutes and would have been pleased, no doubt, with what they had produced to that point.
China PR came out firing after the break as they looked to get themselves back into the game. The introduction of Serginho in midfield had a significant impact, with the player making his competitive debut forcing Mathew Ryan into a smart save.
Zhang Yuning came close from a header minutes later, but his effort went wide of the post.
The Socceroos withstood this tricky period before Head Coach Tony Popovic turned to the bench for the first time in the 76th minute. Aiden O’Neill replaced the impressive Ryan Teague, while the experience of Fran Karačić was entrusted to see out the game in place of Lewis Miller.
Two more substitutions soon followed, with Mitch Duke and Anthony Caceres entering the fray in place of Brandon Borrello and Nishan Velupillay, before Daniel Arzani replaced Martin Boyle in stoppage time.
In the end, Australia were able to maintain their clean sheet while securing a perfect six points from six from this international window.
Attention now turns to the crucial final games remaining in Group C against Japan and Saudi Arabia in June.
Match Details
China 0
Socceroos 2 (Irvine 16’, Velupillay 29’)
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
Hangzhou Sports Park Stadium
Australia line-up: Mathew Ryan (GK); Lewis Miller (Karacic 76’), Jason Geria, Milos Degenek, Cameron Burgess, Aziz Behich, Ryan Teague (O’Neill 76’), Jackson Irvine, Martin Boyle (Arzani 90+1'), Nishan Velupillay (Caceres 82'), Brandon Borrello (Duke 82')
Unused substitutes: Tom Glover (GK), Paul Izzo (GK), Jason Davidson, Kai Trewin, Kye Rowles, Jason Davidson, Alex Grant, Craig Goodwin
Yellow cards: Nil
China line-up: Wang Dalei (GK), Han Pengfei, Li Lei, Xu Haoyang, Yang Zexiang, Zhang Yuning (Ziming 87'), Wei Shihao (Serginho 45'), Jiang Shenglong, Huang Zhengyu (Haijian 67'), Cao Yongjing (Abduweli 34'), Xie Wenneng (Yudong 66')
Unused substitutes: Yan Junling (GK), Wu Shaocong, Wei Zhen, Liu Dianzuo, Hu Hetao, Jin Cheng, Wang Zhen’ao
Yellow cards: Xie Wenneng (13’)