China – Australia 24-03-25

It's not always the most high-profile match on the calendar when the international break gets underway, but the meeting between China and Australia has more drama than many might think. China are desperate to turn a limp qualifying campaign around, while Australia - who have delivered solidly so far - know there's no room for stumbling now. With Japan and Saudi Arabia on the horizon, this is a match the Socceroos would rather win. And for the home team? Well, anything but three points here will mean their World Cup ticket is well out of sight.

China: Thin soup and red card

We won't be too harsh, but there has been little to cheer about if you're with China. After seven matches played in the qualifiers, they have only two wins and five losses. Most recently, things went wrong again, this time against Saudi Arabia, who won 1-0 after Salem Al-Dawsari scored the only goal of the match – and it didn't get any easier for China when Lin Liangming was sent off before half-time.

Offensively, they have scored 7 goals in 7 games, and that speaks for itself. It is not crazy attacking football, and at home against Australia they will have to raise the level considerably. In Hangzhou they have indeed been a little more solid, and the last time these teams met on Chinese soil (in a friendly match in 2021), it was 1-1. So it is not entirely inconceivable that China can contribute to making this match more exciting than the odds suggest.

Perhaps most encouraging for the hosts is that they have found the net in three of their last four home games, albeit against weaker opposition. But it shows they have offensive weapons, and in a game where they MUST have points, we don't expect them to fall behind.

Australia: Efficient and solid – but not unbeatable

Australia are coming off a 5-1 win over Indonesia, and that in itself speaks volumes about the confidence in the squad. Jackson Irvine scored twice, and several attacking players made a positive impact. They are now second in the group, and must be careful – because Saudi Arabia is breathing down their necks.

"The Socceroos" have scored 12 goals and conceded just 5 in 7 matches. That sounds impressive, but it hasn't been exactly a close one in recent times. They have conceded goals in three of their last five international matches, including against Palestine and Bahrain. They're not exactly teams that should scare anyone.

Coach Tony Popovic is known for a rather pragmatic style, but there are several players in the squad who have offensive qualities – and against a China that must advance, Australia will certainly have transition opportunities.

Conclusion: A match that could open up

It's easy to think this will be a one-way street, but the match could be more open than expected. China has the knife at their throat and needs to move forward, while Australia has more quality – but also a certain tendency to let things slip. There are opportunities at both ends.

And if we look at the importance of the match, both teams have something to play for: China to keep a tenuous hope alive, and Australia to keep Saudi Arabia behind in the fight for second place. With that backdrop, we don't believe in any cautious affair.

Bet suggestions

World Cup qualifiers Asia at 12:00: China – Australia: Both teams to score (1.90)

Alternative game:

World Cup qualifiers Asia at 12:00: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score (2.38)

Did you know that we have our own Discord server with over 400 members where we discuss sports and games – both before, during and after the game?

Click here to join us – we promise a great atmosphere and sharp betting tips!