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It’s all-or-nothing for both teams as we enter the business end of the competition, as the Socceroos take on China PR in Brisbane. Join The Roar from 9:30pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
A disappointing loss to Korea Republic in their last group fixture meant a second-place finish on the Group A standings for the Socceroos. Despite that loss, the Australians will enter Brisbane Stadium full of confidence that they can sink an in-form Chinese side.
The Socceroos were on a tear before their loss to the Korea Republic, scoring eight goals in two games in dominant victories over Kuwait and Oman. They will be looking to emulate their performances in the early stages of the competition against China.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will be boosted by the return of Mile Jedinak, the skipper is back from an ankle injury suffered in the Socceroos’ opening fixture.
Postecoglou’s men however will be without suspended centre-back Matthew Spiranovic, and defender Alex Wilkinson will take his place in the starting XI.
Topping Group A after three impressive wins, China will be full of momentum and confident that they can upset the Socceroos on their home turf.
They are coming off a win against Korea DPR in Canberra last Sunday, with striker Sun Ke finding the net twice in the first half. With three goals in three games, Ke will be looking to continue his impressive form against the Socceroos.
Manager Alain Perrin can rest easy now that Chinese captain Zheng Zhi has been deemed fit to play in the quarter-final, the 2013 Asian footballer of the year suffered a back injury in his side’s 2-1 win over Korea DPR.
The last time these two sides played each other was in 2008, when the visiting Chinese downed the Socceroos 1-0. They will be looking to repeat history in Brisbane.
Despite a strong start for the Chinese, the Socceroos have the better side, and with the return of skipper Jedinak we should see the Socceroos into the semi-final.
Prediction: Socceroos 2 – 0 China PR
Can the Chinese ruin the Socceroos’ Asian Cup campaign, or will Australia send them home disappointed? Join The Roar from 9:30pm (AEDT) to find out.
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