Socceroos coach Tony Popovic makes shaky debut against China

Tony Popovic’s Socceroos have come in for some heavy criticism after a disappointing start to their World Cup qualifier against China.

They got the win in the end 3-1, but the Socceroos still have a mighty task reaching the next World Cup and winning over their many critics.

Under new coach Tony Popovic, the Socceroos fell behind 1-0 in a shock first half against lowly China at Adelaide Oval, via a goal you can see in the video player above.

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With the Australian side coming off a stunning loss to Bahrain at home and a scoreless draw away to fellow minnows Indonesia, the pressure was intense on Thursday night if the Socceroos were to have any hope of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

It was also former Socceroo Popovic’s first match in charge after Graham Arnold jumped ship after that Indonesia result.

Their task became that much bigger after Xie Wenneng’s cool finish on 20 minutes which stunned the Adelaide crowd and led to wild celebrations from world No. 91 China.

Tony Popovic reacts as China take the lead. Photos: Getty Images

“Here’s a chance and they’ve scored, absolutely extraordinary,” Simon Hill said in commentary.

“They’ve barely had a sniff in Australia’s penalty box but that was a tidy finish by Xie.

“China lead and Adelaide and Australia are stunned.”

Journalist Vince Rugari also couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“Absolutely catastrophic defending,” Rugari tweeted.

“There have been a few moments of indecision where Socceroos players didn’t know who was going to receive a pass and that sort of hesitation destroyed them for the goal. ‘Popa’ will be ropeable.”

The home side gradually settled, with defender Lewis Miller scoring the country’s first goal of this qualifying phase at the third attempt with a decisive header in first-half stoppage time.

Craig Goodwin then scored a wonder goal in the 53rd minute, receiving a ball from skipper Jackson Irvine in space on the right, taking a couple of touches and unleashing a vicious strike into the top-left corner.

Despite the turnaround, fans were still far from convinced, venting their frustrations in the second half on X.

“We’re going to get absolutely hammered by Japan!” was one comment.

“Good comeback … but we are struggling against China. We’ll need a game against Japan if we have any hopes of qualifying,” wrote another.

“This is “trenches” stuff. Worst Australian team I’ve seen in decades,” offered a third.

Substitute Nishan Velupillay then added a little gloss to the final score with a third goal in the 92nd minute.

Craig Goodwin's wonder goal saved the Socceroos. Photos: Getty Images

The result finally got Australia off the foot of the ladder in Group C, with a clash with Asian heavyweights Japan in Saitama to come on Tuesday.

“Australia finally back in the winner’s circle,” Hill said at full-time.

“It raises the hope once again. Now they have the stiffest test of all of course, but they go there boosted by a victory in Tony Popovic’s first match in charge.

“They had to do it the hard way after China took the lead.”

It wasn’t easy, but we did find some encouraging messages from fans after the game.

“Much better in the second half, great result,” was one comment on X.

“Glad they decided to show up after halftime,” added another.

“Well done. Let’s beat Japan,” wrote a third optimistically.

There’s no doubt a lot more is required, however, if Australia is to reach a sixth consecutive World Cup finals when the 2026 edition rolls around in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Originally published as Socceroos coach Tony Popovic makes shaky debut against China