Xinhua
09 Sep 2025, 22:07 GMT+10
XI'AN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Australia took a point apiece as they played out a 0-0 stalemate in the final Group D game of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, with both teams reaching the finals.
The Olyroos finished as group winners with a superior goal difference. China took second place and qualified by virtue of finishing as one of the four best runners-up among the 11 qualifying groups.
Australia dominated possession and had the chance to break the deadlock in the first half, but striker Nathanael Blair's header was kept out by China goalkeeper Li Hao in the 39th minute.
In the 48th minute, Oscar Priestman could have given Australia the lead, but his close-range volley was denied by Li, and Blair fired over the crossbar eight minutes later.
"We came here knowing it was going to be a difficult match against a very good team," Australia head coach Antony Vidmar told Xinhua after the game.
"We really fought hard in difficult conditions, so we're very proud." Vidmar added.
China head coach Antonio Puche Vicente said he was satisfied with his players' efforts. "Before the qualifiers, I asked my players to bring Chinese football fans some happiness, because Chinese fans have had few opportunities to feel happy. Today, my players finished our mission," he said.
"We fought like 11 Terracotta Warriors on the pitch," Vicente added.
The U23 Asian Cup finals will be held in January 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
Get a daily dose of Australian Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Australian Herald.
More InformationDOHA, Qatar - In a significant and dramatic escalation that has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, the Israeli military has confirmed...
KATHMANDU, Nepal: Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli has resigned amid the violence that continued for a second day Tuesday, which saw...
JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue his country's war in Gaza, and in Jerusalem, following...
NEW DELHI, India: At least 90 people have lost their lives and hundreds more have been displaced as unrelenting monsoon rains continue...
BOGOTA, Colombia: Colombia's Constitutional Court on September 4 upheld a 2024 law banning bullfights across the country, while going...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The White House defended a major raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia, saying it underscored the Trump administration's...
SYDNEY, Australia: The death of a surfer at a popular Sydney beach on the weekend marked the city's first fatal shark attack in more...
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: Skywatchers are in for a cosmic treat this weekend as the year's second total lunar eclipse makes its appearance...
BRISBANE, Australia - An Irish national who attempted to enter Australia using a fake passport — and later escaped immigration detention...
CANBERRA, Australia: Australia's competition watchdog has taken four fresh produce suppliers and three executives to court, accusing...
XI'AN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Australia took a point apiece as they played out a 0-0 stalemate in the final Group D game of...
(250909) -- XI'AN, Sept. 9, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yudong (R) of China vies with Kealey Adamson of Australia during the AFC U23 Asian...
