FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Rajarshi Shukla
Australia will lock horns with China at Adelaide for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier game on Thursday. The Socceroos will hope to recover from their 0-0 draw against Indonesia in their last World Cup qualification match the previous month.
Meanwhile, China are coming to this game on the back 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. Despite the Middle Eastern country being reduced to 10 men they managed to scrape out a win against China. The loss has now seen China fall to the bottom of the group with zero points while their upcoming hosts are fifth with one point.
Both sides are not in good form. This game could give either side the chance to regain their footing in the qualification games for the 2026 World Cup.
Thursday, 10 October, 2:40 p.m. IST
Location: Adelaide Oval
Australia: D-L-W-W-W
China: L-L-L-D-W
Mitchell Duke will replace injured Kusini Yengi, who was in terrific form scoring three goals in current World Cup qualifying matches. Now Duke will have to be at his best to find the back of the net when they face China. Given the forward failed to score in their defeat against Baharain he will once again have a chance to make amends here.
China have endured a dismal run so far in their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches and no player has shown any sign of leading the team to a win. They are bottom of the table with zero points and the players must take the onus on them when they face Australia. Fernandinho who was excellent against Saudi Arabia will hope to display his traits and lead China’s attacking line.
Australia are set to be without a number of players against China due to injury. Connor Metcalfe has been ruled out of the game with a groin injury, while Kusini Yengi with muscle injury and Martin Boyle with a broken hand.
On the other hand, China are going into this game with a fully fit squad.
Matches: 15
Australia: 7
Draws: 3
China PR: 5
Ryan (GK), Burgess, Souttar, Behich, Cirati; Silvera, Irvine, Baccus, Goodwin; Duke, Irankunda
Wang (GK), G. Zhunyi, Guangtai, Browning, Zhu; Lei, Yuanyi, Xie, Abduweli; Fernandinho, Lei
Australia have not had the good start they were expecting for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. But when they are in their form one can expect them to dismantle any opposition. Meanwhile, China are yet to win a game. We can expect the Socceroos to bounce back and secure a convincing win.
Prediction: Australia 3-1 China PR
India: Jio Cinema
Australia: SBS VICELAND
UK: Sky Sports
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