"Stop the strange comments every time we lose a game."

Chinese media outlet SoHu reported on the 27th (KST) that "China suddenly has hope for the World Cup as Australia is likely to forfeit due to a player regulation violation," adding that "there is a high possibility that Cameron Burgess, who started against China, could be disqualified as an ineligible player."

The Chinese national football team, led by head coach Ivan Brankovic, lost to Australia with a score of 0-2 in the 8th match of Group C of the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) North and Central America World Cup Asian qualifiers held on the 25th at Hangzhou Sports Park Stadium.

With this defeat, China failed to rebound. China remains at the bottom of the group with 2 wins and 6 losses, totaling 6 points. Despite the enthusiastic support of 80,000 home fans, China struggled against Australia, who took control of the game from the early stages with ball possession.

In the 7 matches played so far, China has secured victories against Indonesia at home and Bahrain in an away match, but lost the others. China faced Australia with a two-top formation featuring Zhang Yuning and Wei Shihao. In the midfield, Xu Haoyang, Huang Zhengwei, Xie Wenheng, and Chao Yongjing were positioned, while the back four consisted of Li Le, Zhang Chenglong, Han Pengfei, and Yang Zixiang. The goalkeeper was Wang Dalai.

Despite the overwhelming support from home fans, China conceded the first goal. In the 16th minute of the first half, a ball that was not cleared properly by the Chinese defense was struck by Urwin with a left-foot shot, giving Australia a 1-0 lead.

Having successfully gained the upper hand, Australia was also fortunate. In the 29th minute of the first half, Australia saw a right-foot shot from Belluphilai heading straight for the goal, but Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalai fumbled.

As a result of the first half, China was unable to take even a single shot on target. In contrast, Australia demonstrated exceptional finishing by converting both of their two shots on target into goals.

China prepared for a turnaround through player substitutions. However, Australia's defense was solid. Even with the inclusion of naturalized players, China fought fiercely against Australia. However, China finished the match without scoring a consolation goal, failing to add any points.

After the match, SoHu Sports rated goalkeeper Wang Dalai with a score of 5.3. They noted, "Wang Dalai showed good form in the previous match. However, he was slippery like butter today. Additionally, he forgot to wear the captain's armband in the second half."

After the match, Wang Dalai said, "It's my mistake. I have no words. My view was obstructed. The ball bounced and I reacted unconsciously. I failed to maintain my concentration," while forcing a smile. However, scenes of him shaking his body throughout the match and his seemingly playful attitude angered the Chinese public.

SoHu.com stated, "He seemed to have no shame. It seemed like he had no regrets or reflections on his mistake. There was a lack of remorse in his demeanor," drawing harsh criticism.

Meanwhile, in a match that took place after the game against Australia, Indonesia defeated Bahrain 1-0 to maintain fourth place. As a result, China ended up in a relegation battle with Bahrain, remaining at the bottom due to a goal difference tie with Bahrain.

Due to the complete defeat, the Chinese national team is essentially out of the World Cup. Currently, although the possibility of direct qualification has vanished, the victory of Indonesia over Bahrain has drastically reduced the possibility of finishing in third or fourth place to enter the playoffs. In response, China has adopted a hope circuit.

SoHu stated, "A new possibility has opened for Chinese football. Perhaps Australia is likely to forfeit their match against China. They might have fielded an ineligible player," adding that "Cameron Burgess, who started as a center-back for Australia, has dual nationality (Scotland-Australia) and previously played for the Scotland youth national teams (in October 2013). He is an obvious ineligible player."

However, this claim is ridiculous. Burgess is a dual citizen who played for the Scotland youth national teams before switching entirely to the Australian national team. In fact, FIFA has reported his nationality change directly. It is merely a delusion born from China's hope circuit.

The response from Chinese football fans is similarly cold. One Chinese fan sighed, "Every time we lose a game, clowns come out to spread rumors. It's just disgusting." Another fan shook their head, saying, "It feels like there is more focus on the behind-the-scenes work after losing in the stadium. Make some reasonable statements."

[OSEN]