Australia’s quest for the 2026 World Cup remains alive following a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory against China in Adelaide on Thursday night.
Facing a daunting 1-0 deficit just before halftime, the Socceroos were at risk of suffering a significant setback in their World Cup qualifying campaign. However, goals from Lewis Miller and Craig Goodwin on either side of the halftime break, along with a stoppage-time strike from Nishan Velupillay, secured a vital three points for the team in Tony Popovic’s debut match as head coach.
The win restores momentum ahead of a challenging encounter against Japan next week at Saitama Stadium, where the Japanese side has scored 12 goals without reply in their opening two qualifiers.
The excitement surrounding a new chapter in Australian football was palpable 80 minutes before kickoff. The atmosphere at Adelaide Oval was electric as fans learned that Popovic had made five changes to the starting lineup that faced Indonesia last month. Notably, 24-year-old Joe Gauci, now with Aston Villa, replaced former captain Mat Ryan in goal, a move reflecting Ryan’s limited playing time at AS Roma.
These alterations not only introduced new faces but also a fresh tactical approach, utilizing a back three or five depending on game dynamics. Early signs indicated that the strategy was effective, as Australia displayed the attacking intent Popovic had promised, pushing China back into their own half.
However, optimism soon gave way to frustration as the first half progressed. Although Popovic sought to showcase an attacking style, his side struggled with creativity and invention in the final third, a recurring issue in their recent performances.
The crowd of 46,291—setting a record for the Socceroos in Adelaide—was stunned when China took the lead in the 20th minute. Xie Wenneng capitalized on a defensive lapse by Australia, sending the stadium into silence as the visitors celebrated.
This goal momentarily deflated the Australian side, who limped toward halftime appearing a shadow of their former selves. Yet, just before the break, relief swept through the team and supporters alike when Miller found the back of the net with a header from a perfectly placed free kick by Goodwin.
Miller’s goal marked a turning point not only for the team but also personally for him, as he returned to the squad following a disappointing performance against South Korea in the Asian Cup quarterfinals earlier this year.
Following halftime, Popovic made tactical adjustments, substituting Thomas Deng and Nestory Irankunda for Jason Geria and Riley McGree. The changes reinvigorated the Socceroos, who quickly regained their early dynamism. Just eight minutes into the second half, Goodwin unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike, delighting both his coach and the home crowd.
The victory was sealed in stoppage time when Velupillay netted his first international goal after a scramble in the box, capping off an emotional night for the Socceroos and their new manager.
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