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.