The Australian national soccer team, known as the Socceroos, is set to face off against China in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Adelaide Oval on October 10, 2024. This encounter marks the beginning of the Tony Popovic era for the Socceroos, who are desperate for a win to kickstart their third round of AFC World Cup qualifying.
1. The Socceroos' New Era Under Tony Popovic
Tony Popovic, the newly appointed head coach of the Socceroos, has emphasized that there will be no excuses if the team fails to deliver in his first game in charge. Popovic has been tasked with lifting the team off the canvas and back into the race for automatic qualification after a disappointing start to the latest round of World Cup qualifiers. The team has had a shock 1-0 home loss to Bahrain and a 0-0 draw with Indonesia in Jakarta, leaving them in need of a significant turnaround.
Despite having had little time to implement his tactics, Popovic is confident about the squad he has chosen. He has bolstered the team with the return of key players like Jordy Bos and Ajdin Hrustic, who are expected to feature prominently in the starting lineup. The team's predicted XI includes Mat Ryan in goal, Jordy Bos and Harry Souttar in defense, Kye Rowles and Aziz Behich on the flanks, Riley McGree and Jackson Irvine in midfield, Nestory Irankunda and Mitch Duke up front, and Craig Goodwin on the opposite wing.
2. China's Struggles in Qualifying
China, on the other hand, has had a terrible start to the third phase of qualifying. They have suffered a 7-0 defeat to arch rivals Japan and a 2-1 defeat to 10-man Saudi Arabia in their opening two games. This poor performance has put coach Branko Ivankovi under immense pressure, especially given that China only qualified for this phase by having a better head-to-head record than lowly Thailand in the second round.
China will be without injured star forward Wu Lei, who is set to deputize in his place for the October internationals. The team's predicted XI includes Wang in goal, Gao and Browning in defense, Zhu and L. Li on the flanks, Abduweli and Y. Li in midfield, Jiang and Xie ahead of Conceicao and Jin up front.
3. The Match Preview
The match between Australia and China is set to kick off at 7:40 p.m. local time at Adelaide Oval. The Socceroos have a good record at this venue, having won their last three matches there by a combined aggregate score of 13-2. However, they will need to be at their best to overcome a China side that is equally desperate for a win.
Australia's overall record in A Internationals against China is played 13, won seven, lost four with two draws. The Socceroos have been working on beating China's defensive strategy, which has been a key focus for both teams. Harry Souttar, who only arrived a couple of days ago from the UK, has expressed confidence in the team's ability to create chances against a low-block defense.
The match will be broadcast on free-to-air TV via Channel 10 and will also be available on the streaming service 10PLAY. Additionally, it will be available on Paramount+, making it easily accessible for fans across Australia.
4. Key Players to Watch
For the Socceroos, key players like Harry Souttar and Nestory Irankunda will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. Souttar's arrival from the UK has added depth to the team's defense, while Irankunda's speed and agility could prove decisive in attacking opportunities.
In China's lineup, players like Conceicao and Jin will be under immense pressure to deliver goals. The absence of Wu Lei has created a void that these players must fill if China is to stand any chance of winning.
5. Conclusion
The match between Australia and China promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams desperate for a win. The Socceroos' new era under Tony Popovic begins with high stakes, while China seeks to turn their fortunes around after a disastrous start to qualifying.
As the teams take to the field at Adelaide Oval, one thing is clear: only one team can emerge victorious. The world will be watching as the Socceroos and China clash in a battle that could shape the course of their respective World Cup qualification journeys.
