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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Paul Williams at Adelaide Oval

Socceroos’ World Cup campaign back on track after vital win over China

Nishan Velupillay is mobbed after scoring Australia’s third goal against China in Adelaide.
Australia defeat China 3-1 in coach Tony Popovic’s first match in charge of the Socceroos in the 2026 World Cup qualifier at Adelaide Oval. Photograph: Matt Turner/AAP

Australia’s World Cup 2026 dream is alive after a come-from-behind 3-1 win over China in Adelaide on Thursday night.

At 1-0 down nearing half time the Socceroos stared into the abyss, the very real prospect of World Cup failure staring back at them. But goals by Lewis Miller and Craig Goodwin either side of half time, and a stoppage time effort from Nishan Velupillay, rescued a valuable three points in Tony Popovic’s first outing as Socceroos manager.

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