In a dramatic AFC qualifier in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, China suffered a 2-0 home loss to Australia, putting their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream in serious jeopardy with only two matches remaining.
The contest saw early momentum swing when Jackson Irvine opened the scoring after capitalizing on a defensive slip, with his shot finding the far corner. Australia doubled the lead in the 29th minute as Nishan Velupillay converted a goalkeeper error from Wang Dalei.
The hosts tried to rally in the second half with naturalized player Sai Erjiniao making his debut, spurring an improved attacking display before a record crowd of 70,588. Despite their renewed efforts, China could not convert the numerous chances into goals.
Now at the bottom of Group C with six points, China faces critical must-win encounters against Indonesia and Bahrain in June. China's head coach Branko Ivankovic remarked, "The next two matches are the key. We must fight for victories. It's not a result we want to see. Australia performed better in the first half, while we showed promise in the second."
Australia's head coach Tony Popovic added, "China gained momentum after the break, but it took us time to regain control and secure the win." As the group standings tighten, both sides now prepare for decisive battles that will shape their World Cup destinies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
