Australia strengthened their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over China on Tuesday.
They rode their luck at instances after the break, however first-half targets from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay have been sufficient to safe the three factors.
Australia virtually made a lightning-quick begin after China did not cope with Brandon Borrello’s looking cross, however Martin Boyle couldn’t take benefit on the far publish, volleying large from shut vary.
Irvine discovered the breakthrough within the sixteenth minute, although – having seen his first try blocked, he regained the ball to around the defender earlier than bending a beautiful strike into the far publish.
The guests discovered a number of pleasure down their proper facet, and with China once more unable to clear their traces, Velupillay’s shot from simply contained in the field bounced via Wang Delai’s arms and over the road.
China have been a lot improved within the second half although, with debutant Serginho inflicting issues. He lower inside to rifle a shot into the roof of the online, however Mat Ryan reflexively tipped it over.
Milos Degenek ought to have gotten Australia a 3rd simply after the hour. He misplaced his marker from a nook however might solely information it into the facet netting on the far publish.
China’s strain didn’t repay, and so they keep sixth in Group C, whereas Australia moved onto 13 factors in second, seven factors behind leaders Japan after they have been held to a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.
An expert efficiency and job nicely performed #Socceroos #CHNvAUS pic.twitter.com/YdMAymebms
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 25, 2025
Knowledge Debrief: Socceroos hold momentum going
This might show to be a giant win for Australia, and they’re now undefeated of their final 25 World Cup qualifying matches away from residence after they have led at half-time (W19 D5).
The Socceroos conceded only one shot on track on this match; the final time they conceded fewer in an AFC World Cup Qualifier away from residence was in June 2024 in opposition to Bangladesh (0).
That is the second consecutive match Irvine has scored a objective for Australia (two v Indonesia on Thursday); he additionally scored in back-to-back video games for the Socceroos in January 2024 (v India and v Syria).
