Six points from two matches in this international window were needed – and achieved.
They may now be in the driver’s seat, but the hard work is still to come for Australia in their push to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Nishan Velupillay takes on Hunag Zhengyu.Credit: Getty Images
A poor showing from China gave Australia a relatively comfortable win, but what does it all mean heading into sterner tests against Japan and Saudi Arabia in June?
Socceroos player ratings
1. Maty Ryan (6.5/10)
Had a few touches in the first half, but his goal was never threatened. Busier after the break. Made a strong save to preserve the two-goal lead. It’s not just about him, but Australia never seem to look overly safe when defending corners.
16. Aziz Behich (6)
As busy as ever, and wasn’t required to do much actual defending in the first half. His combination with Nishan Velupillay is worthy of further exploration.
Tony Popovic was happy with large parts of Australia’s performance.Credit: AP
21. Cameron Burgess (6.5)
The first half was leisurely. Then, when the hosts had a crack in the second half, Burgess and his fellow defenders were put to work. They answered every question.
2. Milos Degenek (7)
After the best part of 18 months off the national team scene, he did a fine job. Had precious little to do in the first half. Earned his keep after the break as the three points always looked safely in the hands of the visitors.
8. Jason Geria (6.5)
Strong performance. His excellent mobility and nous for the ball see him cut out opposition attacking surges before they become real threats. Looms as a key man against Japan.
3. Lewis Miller (5)
On the end of a pair of scything tackles in the opening 13 minutes. Looked shakier as the game wore on. One error (68th minute) could easily have cost Australia a goal. Replaced with 15 minutes remaining.
22. Jackson Irvine (8)
As was the case against Indonesia, needed two chances to score his goal. Is ever-reliable and the type of player every team craves. Should be the first name on the Socceroos team sheet whenever he is fit. Bravo.
17. Ryan Teague (7)
The 23-year-old from Randwick couldn’t have hoped for a better debut. A weak opponent and a group of teammates playing with confidence made for a dream night. It’s great to see midfielders look to pass the ball forward before the thought of kicking it backward enters their thought process. Worthy of more caps.
7. Nishan Velupillay (7.5)
Some of the worst goalkeeping you will ever see gifted him a goal. Genuine comedy capers. Could have had another goal minutes later but scuffed it. A real discovery at this level. Was replaced late but looks certain to feature against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
6. Martin Boyle (5)
Top-level goalscorers finish the chance Boyle had in the sixth minute. On this night, it didn’t matter. One day, such a misfire might prove very costly. While his effort is without peer, his execution doesn’t fill anyone with confidence.
11. Brandon Borrello (6)
With Adam Taggart and Kusini Yengi both missing due to injury, it was Borrello’s chance to shine. He didn’t exactly do that, but his effort was never in question. Australia need more from their starting striker – whoever it is. Was replaced inside the final 10 minutes.
Substitutes
19. Fran Karacic (5)
Coming on late with a lead is a no-win situation for a defender. The good news for Fran is he didn’t lose. Was mentally in the game from the second he entered it.
13. Aiden O’Neill (5.5)
Replaced the impressive Teague. Worked well alongside Irvine. His job was to see the match out without conceding midfield dominance. Mission accomplished.
15. Mitch Duke (4)
Was surprisingly left out of the squad for this international window, then selected after injury struck. Didn’t get a chance to attack, but still made himself busy.
5. Anthony Caceres (5)
Provided fresh legs when introduced inside the final stages. Another cog in an all-together cohesive team performance. No real stress for the visitors on this night.
10. Daniel Arzani (N/A)
Introduced as a time-wasting tactic in second-half stoppage time. Bagged another national team cap. That’s it.
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