"No shame and no reflection."

The Chinese national football team, led by coach Ivan Branković, lost to Australia 2-0 during the 8th match of Group C in the third round of the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) North and Central American World Cup Asian qualifiers, held on the 25th (hereafter Korean time) at Hangzhou Sports Park in Hangzhou, China.

With this defeat, China failed to rebound. China remained at the bottom with 2 wins, 6 losses, and 6 points.

Despite the enthusiastic support of 80,000 home fans, China showed signs of lagging behind Australia. Australia took control of the match from the early stages with possession of the ball.

In the previous 7 matches, China secured victories against Indonesia at home and Bahrain in an away match, but lost all the rest.

China faced Australia with a twin striker system featuring Zhang Yuning and Wei Shao. The midfield consisted of Xu Haoyang, Huang Zhengyi, Xie Weneng, and Chao Yongjing, while the four-man defense was made up of Li Leilei, Zhang Shenglong, Han Fengfei, and Yang Zhixiang. The goalkeeper was Wang Dalai.

Australia came out with a 3-4-3 formation. Matthew Ryan started as goalkeeper. The back three consisted of Cameron Burgess, Milos Degenek, and Jason Geria. The four midfielders were Aziz Behich, Ryan Tighe Urbin, and Louis Miller. The Chonbang trio included Beryl Filay, Martin Boyle, and Brandon Borello.

Despite the overwhelming support from home fans, China conceded the opening goal. In the 16th minute of the first half, a ball that China’s defense failed to clear was shot by Urbin with his left foot, putting Australia ahead 1-0.

Having successfully seized the initiative, Australia benefited from luck as well. In the 29th minute of the first half, Australia's Beryl Filay shot with his right foot straight toward the goal, but China's goalkeeper Wang Dalai cracked it.

At the end of the first half, China failed to register a single effective shot. In contrast, Australia boasted high efficiency by converting both of their two effective shots into goals.

China prepared for a turnaround through player substitutions. However, Australia's defense was solid. Including naturalized players, China fiercely confronted Australia.

However, China could not score a consolation goal and finished the match, failing to add any points.

Sohu Sports rated goalkeeper Wang Dalai a score of 5.3.

It also noted, "Wang Dalai showed good performance in the last match. But he was as slippery as butter today. Additionally, in the second half, he even forgot to wear the captain's armband."

After the match, Wang Dalai said, "It was my mistake. I have no words. My vision was blocked. The ball bounced, and I reacted unconsciously. I could not maintain my focus," while sharing a bitter smile.

However, his constantly shaking body and seemingly playful demeanor incited anger among the Chinese public.

Sohu.com reported, "He seemed to have no shame. It appeared he felt no regret or reflection about his mistake. There was a lack of apology in his demeanor."

Meanwhile, after the match against Australia, Indonesia defeated Bahrain 1-0, maintaining their 4th place. Consequently, China became embroiled in a relegation battle with Bahrain, remaining at the bottom due to goal difference, despite having equal points.

[OSEN]