Socceroos edge closer to FIFA World Cup qualification with victory over China

Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay have continued their goal-scoring form to help the Socceroos to another win.

The Socceroos are within sight of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification after a 2-0 win over China in Hangzhou.

First-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay on Tuesday night were enough to secure the Australians back-to-back victories following last Thursday’s 5-1 thrashing of Indonesia in Sydney.

In the battle for the second guaranteed World Cup spot in Group C of the third-round of AFC World Cup qualifiers, the Socceroos have moved to 13 points, only trailing runaway leaders and the already qualified Japan.

Australia is three points ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia, who drew 0-0 with Japan in Saitama on Tuesday night.

Second spot will be decided in June’s international window when the Socceroos meet Japan in Perth before an away battle with Saudi Arabia.

Australia will take plenty of confidence into those matches, having comfortably dealt with China, who failed to inspire in front of their home fans.

Melbourne Victory midfielder Ryan Teague was given his Socceroos debut in one of three changes to the side that started in the win over Indonesia.

Jackson Irvine (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring for the Socceroos in Australia’s 2-0 win over China. Picture: Hector Retamal / AFP

Teague came in for Belgium-based Aiden O’Neill, Western Sydney Wanderers attacker Brandon Borrello took the spot of injured Perth Glory marksman Adam Taggart, and Serbia-based centre-back Milos Degenek started at the expense of Kye Rowles.

The Socceroos took control from the outset and should have gone ahead in just the fifth minute when a cross from Borrello found its way beyond the far post and into the path of teammate Martin Boyle.

However, the Hibernian star failed to hit the target from close range.

But it didn’t take much longer for the Australians to grab a deserved lead, with the in-form Irvine adding to the two goals he scored in the win over Indonesia with another one in the 16th minute.

Irvine was rewarded for his perseverance. His first shot was blocked but after getting the ball back, he created just enough space to unleash a curling left-footed shot that was too good for Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei.

A horror mistake from Wang gifted the Socceroos their second goal in the 29th minute.

The 36-year-old gloveman made a complete hash of attempting to save a seemingly harmless shot from Melbourne Victory star Velupillay, who made it two goals in two matches after also scoring against Indonesia.

The Socceroos seemed to be cruising to another win but the desperate hosts came out with renewed intent after half-time.

They pressured the Australians, who needed captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan to make an impressive save to deny China substitute, the recently naturalised Serginho, in the 54th minute.

However, having weathered China’s storm, the Socceroos comfortably closed out the match to end any hopes the hosts had of a top-two Group C finish.