"We are becoming weaker."

On the 1st, China's 'Sohu' reported, "In the March A matches, China lost twice and must win against Indonesia and Bahrain in the June A match," adding, "The problem is that most of the national team players are showing the worst performance even in the Chinese Super League."

The China national football team, led by coach Ivan Branković, suffered a 0-2 defeat against Australia in the 8th match of Group C of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian qualifying rounds on March 25 at the Hangzhou Sports Park in Hangzhou, China, marking a complete loss in the March A matches.

China remained at the bottom with 2 wins and 6 losses, totaling 6 points. Despite the enthusiastic support of 80,000 home fans, China showed a tendency to lag behind Australia. From the early stages of the game, Australia took control of the ball possession. In the 7 matches played so far, China has won against Indonesia in a home game and Bahrain in an away game but lost all the rest.

China lined up with Zhang Yuning and Wei Shihao as the two forwards facing Australia. In midfield were Xu Haoyang, Huang Zhengyi, Xie Wennen, and Zhao Yongjing, while the four-man defense consisted of Li Leiqi, Zhang Chenglong, Han Fengfei, and Yang Zhixiang. The goalkeeper was Wang Dalei. Despite overwhelming support from home fans, China conceded the opening goal. In the 16th minute, a ball miscleared by China's defense was shot by Irvine with his left foot, putting Australia ahead 1-0.

Having successfully taken the initiative, Australia enjoyed some luck as well. In the 29th minute, Australia's Beliefilai took a right-footed shot that headed straight towards the goal, but Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei fumbled. By halftime, China had failed to register a single shot on target, while Australia displayed a high level of precision by converting both of their shots on target into goals.

China prepared for a turnaround through player substitutions. However, the Australian defense was solid. Even with the introduction of naturalized players, China fought fiercely against Australia but ended the game without scoring a consolation goal, ultimately failing to add to their points.

Sohu Sports rated goalkeeper Wang Dalei at 5.3 points after the match. It noted, "Wang Dalei showed good performance in the last match. But today, he was as slippery as butter. Moreover, during the second half, he forgot to wear the captain's armband."

After the match, Wang Dalei stated, "It's my mistake. I have no words. My vision was obstructed. The ball bounced up and I reacted instinctively. I couldn't maintain my concentration," while forcing a smile. However, his constant fidgeting and seemingly playful attitude angered the Chinese public.

Sohu.com received harsh criticism, stating, "He seemed to have no sense of shame. He did not appear to regret or reflect on his mistakes. There is a lack of remorse."

Meanwhile, after the match against Australia, Indonesia defeated Bahrain 1-0, maintaining their 4th place. Accordingly, China entered into a relegation battle with Bahrain, failing to escape the last place due to a worse goal difference despite being tied on points with Bahrain.

Due to the crushing defeat, the Chinese national team has essentially been eliminated from the World Cup. Although the possibility of direct qualification has vanished, the recent victory of Indonesia over Bahrain has greatly diminished the prospects of advancing to the playoffs.

Sohu emphasized, "The real problem with the China national football team is that the players do not perform adequately in the league. Out of the 23 players in the China national football team, only 10 are first-choice, 10 are substitutes, and 3 did not even participate. Even the two players who started against Australia were both on the bench."

The outlet stated, "Chinese national players are not even securing spots in their own league. Coach Branković pointed out that after the match against Australia, the Chinese players’ level has dropped. Ultimately, most players need to be replaced, and a rebuilding process must begin."

[OSEN]