Australia vs China: Socceroos Seek First Win in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

The Socceroos, Australia's national football team, are set to face China in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 10, 2024. This match marks the beginning of the Tony Popovic era for the Socceroos, who are desperate to secure their first win in the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

1. Background and Context

Australia has not had an ideal start to their campaign, having lost 1-0 to Bahrain and drawn 0-0 with Indonesia in the previous round. This led to the resignation of former coach Graham Arnold after six years at the helm. Tony Popovic, a seasoned coach with experience in the Asian Champions League, has taken over and is determined to lead the team to their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.

China, on the other hand, is currently in sixth place in Group C after losing both of their matches in the previous round. They are equally desperate for a win to improve their standings and stay in contention for automatic qualification.

2. Team News and Lineups

For the Socceroos, several key players have returned to the squad, including Jordy Bos, Riley McGree, and Ajdin Hrustic. This influx of talent is expected to bolster the team's performance and provide a fresh dynamic in their style of play. The predicted lineup for Australia includes Mat Ryan in goal, with Jordy Bos and Harry Souttar forming the central defense, alongside Aziz Behich and Riley McGree in midfield. Nestory Irankunda and Mitch Duke are likely to start upfront, alongside Craig Goodwin on the wing.

China's lineup is also expected to see some changes, particularly in their forward line due to injuries to key strikers Yang Zexiang and Wu Lei. Cheng Jin and Hu Hetao are set to deputize in their place. The predicted lineup for China includes Wang in goal, with Gao, Browning, Zhu, and L. Li forming the defense. Behram Abduweli, Y. Li, Jiang, and Xie will likely start in midfield, while Conceicao and Jin will lead the attack.

3. How to Watch the Match

Fans in Australia can watch the match live on free-to-air TV via Channel 10, which will also be available on their streaming service 10PLAY. The game will also be broadcast on Paramount+, making it easily accessible for football enthusiasts across the country.

For those abroad, the match can be streamed online using various platforms, although some may require a virtual private network (VPN) to access their usual streaming services.

4. Key Quotes and Insights

Tony Popovic has emphasized that there will be no excuses if the Socceroos fail to deliver in his first game in charge. He has promised a more dynamic style of play and is confident that the team can win despite the challenges they face.

Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine highlighted the importance of being sharp and ready under the new coaching regime. He emphasized that the team has good characters and capable players who can perform under pressure.

China's national soccer team coach Branko Ivanovic has urged his players to enjoy the upcoming match against Australia. He acknowledged that it will be a difficult game but encouraged his team to approach it with positivity and determination.

The match kicks off at 8:10 PM AEDT at the Adelaide Oval, with both teams eager to secure their first win in the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.