Wang Yudong of China reacts during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
XI'AN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Australia took one point apiece as they played out a 0-0 stalemate in the final Group D game of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, with both teams reaching the finals.
The Olyroos finished as group winners with a superior goal difference. China took second place and qualified by virtue of finishing as one of the four best runners-up among the 11 qualifying groups.
Australia dominated possession and had the chance to break the deadlock in the first half, but striker Nathanael Blair's header was kept out by China goalkeeper Li Hao in the 39th minute.
In the 48th minute, Oscar Priestman could have given Australia the lead, but his close-range volley was denied by Li, and Blair fired over the crossbar eight minutes later.
"We came here knowing it was going to be a difficult match against a very good team," Australia head coach Antony Vidmar told Xinhua after the game.
"We really fought hard in difficult conditions, so we're very proud." Vidmar added.
China head coach Antonio Puche Vicente said he was satisfied with his players' efforts. "Before the qualifiers, I asked my players to bring Chinese football fans some happiness, because Chinese fans have had few opportunities to feel happy. Today, my players finished our mission," he said.
"We fought like 11 terracotta warriors on the pitch," Vicente added.
The U23 Asian Cup finals will be held in January 2026 in Saudi Arabia. ■
Baihelamu Abuduwaili (R) of China vies with Nathan Paull of Australia during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Nathanael Blair (2nd L) of Australia competes during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Wang Yudong (R) of China vies with Kealey Adamson of Australia during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Players of China greet the spectators after the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
A fan of China reacts before the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Nathanael Blair (R) of Australia greets Li Hao, goalkeeper of China, after the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Players of China pose before the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Antonio Puche, head coach of China, reacts during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Players of Australia line up during the national anthem ceremony prior to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Baihelamu Abuduwaili (L) of China vies with Rhys Bozinovski of Australia during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Players of Australia pose before the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Baihelamu Abuduwaili (R) of China vies with Oscar Priestman (C) of Australia during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Wang Yudong (front) of China greets players of Australia before the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Nathanael Blair (2nd L) of Australia competes during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Players argue during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Fans of China react before the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Team China celebrate after the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D football match between China and Australia in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
微信扫描下方的二维码阅读本文
