Group C of the third round of Asia’s World Cup qualification appeared challenging from the outset, but for Australia, the challenge has escalated into a formidable task. Earning just one point from matches against Bahrain and Indonesia was not part of the original plan, which took a dramatic turn with the resignation of Graham Arnold and the subsequent appointment of Tony Popovic. Popovic's first game in charge is against China in Adelaide on Thursday—a must-win situation given the disastrous start and an upcoming clash with group leaders Japan just five days later.
On the positive side, Popovic has a proven track record of achieving results in Asia, as evidenced by Western Sydney Wanderers’ triumphant run to the Asian Champions League title in 2014. Perhaps the standout result that season was the semi-final victory over Chinese powerhouse and reigning champions Guangzhou Evergrande, a time when Chinese football was making significant waves globally. However, the familiar “China crisis” clichés are resurfacing. The injury-plagued national team arrives in South Australia with confidence at an all-time low, mirroring their sixth-place standing in the six-team group. After suffering a 7-0 thrashing by Japan and a subsequent home defeat to Saudi Arabia, the Reds are still searching for their first point and a semblance of pride.
Since the World Cup expansion and the allocation of eight spots for Asia, teams like China have had a theoretical chance to qualify for the tournament in North America. However, a third consecutive defeat in the third round of games would not only jeopardize their theoretical hopes of a top-two finish and automatic qualification but also cast doubt on their ability to finish third or fourth. Expectations are understandably low. “We are not going to make the World Cup,” stated a Chinese FA official. “This qualification round is our World Cup.” Such sentiments are not surprising, even without the recent stinging defeats. Team Dragon only advanced this far due to the heroics of Hassan Sunny, the Singapore goalkeeper who made a series of fine saves, totaling 11, against Thailand in the final game of the second round to prevent the Thais from finishing above China.
A similar hero may be needed once again. Fans are still awaiting the impact of China coach Branko Ivanković. The Croatian, appointed in February, led Oman in qualification for 2022, finishing just a point behind Australia, with the highlight being a win in Japan. He also defeated the Samurai Blue as boss of Iran in qualification for the 2006 World Cup. As the third round commenced, the usually pessimistic Chinese media wondered if Ivanković had Japan’s number. The answer was a resounding no. The disaster in Saitama marked China’s second heaviest loss of all time and, coming against their bitter rival, their most humiliating. The Reds simply could not cope with Japan’s movement and passing. The 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in Dalian was equally painful. An own goal gave China an early lead, and the roars grew louder when Mohamed Kanno was shown red. With a goal up and a man up for most of the game, 50,000 fans settled back, anticipating a much-needed victory. Yet, somehow, Hassan Kadesh, a player who had never scored before, found the back of the net twice—the second in the last minute—to secure a crucial win for the Saudis.
At the end, fans in the stadium and on social media called for Ivanković’s resignation, blaming him for poor marking at corners, ineffective and late substitutions, and an inability to capitalize on the extra man. It was only when he was seen attending domestic games recently that it became clear he was still in the job. A defeat in Adelaide may not result in his immediate dismissal, but that could change if it is followed by a failure to beat Indonesia on home soil next week. If Ivanković’s position could be in jeopardy, Popovic will take heart from the fact that both Saudi Arabian goals came from set pieces. With the visitors expected to sit back in Adelaide, the recent lack of defensive organization could be pivotal. Up front, there has been just one own goal in two games, and there’s worse news: star attacker Wu Lei, who has played in La Liga with Espanyol and is, by some distance, the top scorer of the Chinese Super League and a talisman for Kevin Muscat at Shanghai Port, is injured. So too are fellow forward Brazil-born Alan Carvalho and midfielder Yang Zexiang.
They will remain in China to recover and face Indonesia in what is truly a must-win game. Anything in Australia is a bonus, and if there is any hope for the visitors, it may lie in the fact that there are no expectations and no pressure. It is the Socceroos who must secure the win.
