On October 10, 2024, the Australia National Football Team, under newly appointed coach Tony Popovic, triumphed with a 3-1 victory over the China National Football Team. This crucial World Cup qualifier, held at Adelaide Oval, revived Australia’s hope of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The Socceroos responded to an early setback with a dominant performance led by Craig Goodwin, Lewis Miller, and debutant Nishan Velupillay, who all contributed to the scoresheet. The victory marks Popovic’s successful debut, as the team climbs to third in their group standings.
Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team Head-to-Head Analysis
Historically, the Australia National Football Team has had the upper hand against the China National Football Team. Before this encounter, Australia secured three wins in their last five meetings, including a 3-0 victory in 2021. China’s only recent win against Australia came in 2008. This matchup was crucial for both teams, especially for Australia, who were desperate to turn around their qualification campaign after a disappointing start.
Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team Lineups
Australia National Football Team (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper:
18 – Joe Gauci
Defenders:
19 – Harry Souttar
4 – Kye Rowles
2 – Thomas Deng
Midfielders:
3 – Lewis Miller
16 – Aziz Behich
13 – Aiden O’Neill
22 – Jackson Irvine (captain)
Forwards:
11 – Nestory Irankunda
23 – Craig Goodwin
15 – Mitchell Duke
Substitutes:
1 – Mathew Ryan
5 – Jordan Bos (on 75′)
8 – Jason Geria (on 45′)
7 – Nishan Velupillay (on 83′, scored at 92′)
14 – Riley McGree (on 45′)
10 – Ajdin Hrustic (on 94′)
China National Football Team (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper:
14 – Wang Dalei
Defenders:
2 – Jiang Guangtai
4 – Li Lei
16 – Jiang Shenglong
13 – Hu Hetao
Midfielders:
6 – Wang Shangyuan
8 – Li Yuanyi
10 – Wei Shihao
20 – Xie Wenneng (scored at 20′)
Forwards:
9 – Yuning Zhang
17 – Fernandinho
Substitutes:
1 – Yan Junling
5 – Wei Zhen
11 – Liangming Lin (on 68′)
15 – Jin Cheng (on 68′)
23 – Behram Abduweli (on 45′)
19 – Liu Yang (on 77′)
Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team Match Breakdown
Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team First Half
China stunned Australia in the 20th minute when Xie Wenneng finished a well-placed strike past Joe Gauci, giving the visitors an early lead. Australia responded with determination, but it wasn’t until added time that Lewis Miller, an unexpected hero, headed in a Craig Goodwin free-kick to level the match. This marked Miller’s redemption after his struggles at the Asian Cup, as Australia went into halftime tied 1-1.
Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team Second Half
Australia came out with renewed energy after halftime. In the 53rd minute, Craig Goodwin delivered a spectacular left-footed strike from 20 meters after an intelligent pass from Jackson Irvine. The goal electrified the home crowd. As China tried to push for an equalizer, substitute Nishan Velupillay sealed the match with a calm right-footed finish in the 92nd minute, marking his first international goal. The final whistle confirmed Australia’s 3-1 victory.
Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team Stats
| Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team Stats | Australia (AUS) | China (CHN) |
| Possession | 72.8% | 27.2% |
| Shots on Goal | 4 | 1 |
| Total Shot Attempts | 17 | 6 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 3 |
| Saves | 0 | 1 |
Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team Timeline
- 20′: China takes the lead as Xie Wenneng finishes with precision from inside the box.
- 36′: Li Lei (China) receives a yellow card after a rough tackle.
- 45’+2′: Lewis Miller (Australia) rises above two defenders to head in the equalizer from a free kick by Goodwin.
- 53′: Craig Goodwin (Australia) scores a sensational goal, giving the Socceroos the lead.
- 66′: Wang Shangyuan (China) is shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge.
- 92′: Nishan Velupillay (Australia) scores his debut goal to secure a 3-1 victory for the Socceroos.
- 94′: Ajdin Hrustic (Australia) comes on as the final substitute, and the match concludes moments later.
Final Score
Australia National Football Team 3-1 China National Football Team
Impact on the Points Table
The win elevates Australia to third place in their group with four points from three matches. China, with just one point, lingers in fifth place. With five games remaining, Australia must continue this momentum to secure one of the top two spots and qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.
Player Achievements
- Lewis Miller: Scored the crucial equalizer in his comeback match, shaking off past criticisms.
- Craig Goodwin: Named Man of the Match for his stellar performance, including a fantastic goal and an assist.
- Nishan Velupillay: Marked his debut with a late goal, ensuring a bright future in international football.
Tony Popovic’s era with the Australia National Football Team began on a high note with this 3-1 victory over the China National Football Team. The Socceroos displayed resilience after going behind early, and the introduction of fresh talents such as Nishan Velupillay showcased a promising future. With this win, Australia remains in the race for World Cup qualification. The upcoming clash with Japan will be a true test of the Socceroos’ aspirations.
FAQs
Who scored the goals for Australia in the Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team 2026 World Cup Qualifying – AFC, Third Round?
Craig Goodwin, Lewis Miller, and Nishan Velupillay scored for Australia.
Who was the Man of the Match in the Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team 2026 World Cup Qualifying – AFC, Third Round?
Craig Goodwin was named Man of the Match for his goal and assist.
What was the final score in the Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team 2026 World Cup Qualifying – AFC, Third Round?
The Australia National Football Team won 3-1 against the China National Football Team.
How did the win affect Australia’s qualification chances after the Australia National Football Team vs China National Football Team 2026 World Cup Qualifying – AFC, Third Round?
The win lifted Australia to third place in their group, reviving their chances of direct World Cup qualification.
