A Tough Night for China: Australia Secures 2-0 Victory

China's hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup suffered a major setback with a 2-0 home defeat against Australia in Hangzhou. Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay scored in the opening half, handing the Socceroos a crucial victory. China were unable to convert their opportunities even after a fighting second-half display. The loss leaves China bottom of Group C, with Australia still second, but moving closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Branko Ivankovic is positive, citing the significance of games against Indonesia and Bahrain.

 

Source: Reuters, Xinhua