The Socceroos faced a challenging start under new coach Tony Popovic, falling behind 1-0 to China in their World Cup qualifier at Adelaide Oval. This match marked Popovic's debut, following the resignation of Graham Arnold after a disappointing run, including a loss to Bahrain and a draw with Indonesia. Despite the initial setback, the Socceroos managed to come back with goals from Lewis Miller and Craig Goodwin, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory. Popovic emphasized the need for his team to match the determination of their opponents, who were also seeking their first win in qualification. The pressure was palpable, as fans expressed their skepticism about the team's performance and future challenges against stronger teams like Japan. The win provides a much-needed boost to Australia’s qualification hopes, though concerns about consistency remain.