China’s Qatar 2022 World Cup hopes dented by defeat to Australia in Doha
- Despite bright start, Li Tie’s side lose 3-0 to Socceroos in Fifa World Cup qualifying opener in Doha to go bottom of group B
- Next up for China on Tuesday is Japan side that suffered shock 1-0 defeat by Oman in Tokyo
Australia, who were technically the home team at the Khalifa International Stadium after the game was moved to Qatar because of Covid-19 travel restrictions, found themselves on the back foot but Li Tie’s China side failed to make their early dominance count.
Instead, they found themselves with an uphill task as Australia scored twice in quick succession midway through the first half.
Awer Mabil and Martin Boyle scored the goals for Graham Arnold’s side and left China with too much to do, and the win was capped with substitute Mitchell Duke’s 70th-minute goal to make it three in the second half.
China started with two of their naturalised players, Brazil-born striker Elkeson and the former England under-21 defender Ty Browning, with Li choosing to leave Alan Carvalho and Aloisio on the bench.
No booze, pork or excess body fat key to China’s World Cup hopes
Despite the presence of Espanyol’s Wu Lei, the only overseas-based player in the China squad, and Guangzhou FC’s Wei Shihao coming off the bench, China failed to trouble Mat Ryan in the Australia goal.
Elsewhere in group B there was better news for China as they look to qualify for the Fifa World Cup for the first time since 2002 and only the second time in their history.
Group favourites Japan were beaten 1-0 by Oman at home while Saudi Arabia were given a tough time on their way to victory over Vietnam, where they were losing 1-0 until Do Duy Manh was sent off, and went on to win 3-1.
China, who are bottom of the six-team group after the opening round of games, can get their qualifying campaign back on track with victory over Japan on Tuesday with that match also being played in Doha.
Qualifying for the World Cup has been a major focus for the Chinese Football Association and the domestic top flight is suspended through the next two international windows in October and November.
China’s footballing ambitions under president Xi Jinping have long been acknowledged and the success of the men’s national team is chief among them.
