Australia defeat China to stay on course for World Cup qualification

Australia secured a crucial 2-0 victory over China on Tuesday to strengthen their bid for automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Saudi Arabia remained in contention after a goalless draw against Japan.

The result leaves the Socceroos second in Group C on 13 points with two matches remaining, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia, who have an inferior goal difference. Japan have already sealed top spot and secured their place at the tournament in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Australia’s opener came in the 16th minute when Jackson Irvine capitalised on a defensive lapse to curl a precise finish into the net in Hangzhou. The visitors doubled their lead in the 29th minute following a costly error from goalkeeper Wang Dalei, who allowed Nishan Velupillay’s mishit shot to slip through his grasp and trickle over the line.

With the defeat, China remain bottom of the group on six points but still have a chance to advance to the next qualifying stage if they finish third or fourth.

Elsewhere, South Korea missed an opportunity to confirm their place at the World Cup, drawing 1-1 with Jordan in Suwon. Lee Jae-sung put the hosts ahead early, but Mahmoud Al Mardi’s deflected effort leveled the match in the 30th minute.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw in Japan keeps their qualification hopes alive. “There are still two games, everything can happen,” said coach Herve Renard.

(Source: AFP)