Three goals and three points for the Socceroos against China

The Socceroos have defeated China 3-1 in Adelaide to keep their direct qualification hopes alive.

After controlling the early play, a suprise goal from China in the 20th minute sucked the energy out of the oval and out of the Roos. China played defensively for the rest of the half and the Socceroos failed to create any meaningful chances.

Lewis Miller, who had seen a lot of the ball in the first half, was a constant target for Chinese fouls down the wing, and it was a foul that helped the Socceroos get the game back on track.

In first half injury time Goodwin sent a pinpoint cross into the box where Miller headed the ball home, leveling the score just before half time as well as securing his first ever goal for the Socceroos.

In the second half a Geria and McGree entered the game, with the latter making an instant impact. McGree helped the Socceroos play a more attacking game and helped create more options through the center rather than just down the wings.

This helped open up the Chinese defence just enough to see Goodwin score an incredible goal from outside the box to give Australia the lead. From here the Chinese team looked deflated and out of answers with Australia controlling the game.

Popovic left one trick up his sleeve though and made a suprise substitution for Velupillay, granting the young Victory player his first Socceroos cap, and playing as a central striker. The move payed dividends when after a late attacking play spilled the ball in the box, the young attacker managed to squeeze out a tight shot into the top corner. A goal on debut and a win for Australia.

Japan’s defeat of Saudi Arabia dramatically changes the optics of the group, and Australia now find themselves in second place. Although not entirely convincing against a Chinese team missing their two key attacker, Popovic earns the pass mark on debut and can head into the Japan game on Tuesday optimistic about a very unlikely result.