In a thrilling yet heartbreaking match, China's national football team fell 3-1 to Australia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier clash in Adelaide on Thursday. Despite an early lead, the visitors couldn't hold off the Socceroos' second-half rally, leaving their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
Fast Start: China stunned the home crowd when Xie Wenneng scored his *first-ever* national team goal in the 20th minute, thanks to a slick assist from Zhang Yuning. The early lead had fans dreaming of an upset—but Australia had other plans.
Comeback Kings: The hosts equalized in stoppage time before halftime, with Lewis Miller heading in a pinpoint free kick from Craig Goodwin. The momentum shifted completely in the second half as Goodwin smashed Australia ahead with a blistering strike, followed by Nishan Velupillay's late goal after a defensive scramble.
Tough Road Ahead: China now sits last in Group C with three straight losses, while Australia leapfrogs to second place. Next up? A must-win home game against Indonesia on October 15. Meanwhile, Australia faces group leaders Japan—setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Fan Reactions: Social media buzzed with mixed emotions, with one user writing, 'That first goal gave us hope … but we’re not out yet!' Can China turn their campaign around? Stay tuned!
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Fast Start: China stunned the home crowd when Xie Wenneng scored his *first-ever* national team goal in the 20th minute, thanks to a slick assist from Zhang Yuning. The early lead had fans dreaming of an upset—but Australia had other plans.
Comeback Kings: The hosts equalized in stoppage time before halftime, with Lewis Miller heading in a pinpoint free kick from Craig Goodwin. The momentum shifted completely in the second half as Goodwin smashed Australia ahead with a blistering strike, followed by Nishan Velupillay's late goal after a defensive scramble.
Tough Road Ahead: China now sits last in Group C with three straight losses, while Australia leapfrogs to second place. Next up? A must-win home game against Indonesia on October 15. Meanwhile, Australia faces group leaders Japan—setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Fan Reactions: Social media buzzed with mixed emotions, with one user writing, 'That first goal gave us hope 
… but we’re not out yet!' Can China turn their campaign around? Stay tuned! 
