China’s World Cup hopes took a major hit Tuesday night following a 2-0 loss to Australia in a high-stakes qualifier in Hangzhou. With a record-breaking crowd of 70,588⚡️, the home team couldn’t turn fan energy into goals as their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrows dramatically.
🇦🇺 Australia’s Socceroos struck early, with Jackson Irvine scoring off a defensive slip in the 16th minute. Nishan Velupillay doubled the lead after capitalizing on a goalkeeping error, leaving China scrambling to regroup.
The second half saw a spirited effort from China, boosted by naturalized forward Sai Erjiniao’s debut 🌟. Despite thrilling attacks, the team couldn’t break through Australia’s defense. Postmatch, Coach Branko Ivankovic called for focus: “We must fight for victories in June.”
⚽️ With only two games left against Indonesia and Bahrain, China remains at the bottom of Group C. Only top-two finishers secure automatic World Cup spots, while third place offers a playoff lifeline. For now, it’s do-or-die mode for Team Dragon 🐉.
