The Socceroos’ hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are on the line tonight, facing another must-win clash as they travel to face China. Live from 10pm AEDT!
Australia remains second in its qualifying group, in position to directly qualify for the next World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, after thumping Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney last week.
But with three games left in this stage of AFC qualifying it’s still all to play for, with Saudi Arabia breathing down their necks – ahead of what could be a do-or-die clash on the final matchday in June.
Japan has already qualified and hosts Saudi Arabia tonight, kicking off half an hour before the Socceroos’ clash with China, and the Aussies would greatly prefer a Japanese win.
With a win tonight over China, Australia would be virtually guaranteed at least a place in the next round of qualifying (which involves another, shorter group stage).
Combined with a Saudi Arabia loss tonight, the Socceroos would be four points clear with two games to play, needing just one more win in their last two matches to clinch a spot at the World Cup.
In that scenario, even with a loss to Japan in Perth in June, a draw away to the Saudis would be enough for the Socceroos to qualify.
But if Saudi Arabia draws with or beats Japan tonight, and/or if Australia draws with or loses to China, the path gets much tougher with the automatic qualifying spot to go down to the final two matchdays.
Roos ready to down China in WCQ | 00:59
The Socceroos defeated China 3-1 when they played in Adelaide last October, but tonight’s hosts are in a must-win scenario of their own, needing to escape the group basement and overcome their poor goal difference if they’re to live up to their own government’s high expectations and qualify for the expanded World Cup.
AFC WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP C STANDINGS (Start of night)
As Zimbabwe celebrates Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Kirsty Coventry’s historic election as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), both current and former athletes have hailed the milestone with pride and admiration – saluting one of their own for etching her name into global sporting history.
Coventry, who touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Sunday, was greeted with jubilation from a passionate crowd that included high-ranking Government officials, sports dignitaries, and a host of Olympians – all united in recognition of a momentous national achievement.
Among those present were Olympians Abel Chimukoko, Tendai Chimusasa, Gaily Dube and Alexander Kwangwari, who each paid glowing tribute to the swimming icon.
Chimukoko, who is president of the Zimbabwe Olympians Association, said Coventry’s rise to the top of world sport was a proud moment for all Olympians.
“We are all excited. Our Honourable Minister Kirsty Coventry is an Olympian,” said Chimukoko.
“As Olympians, we are thrilled to have one of us elected as the IOC president, which is the highest office in global sport.
“She is the second-youngest IOC president ever, the first female, the first African, and the first Zimbabwean to hold this position. It’s a remarkable achievement.”
In a world where athletes often face obscurity after retirement, former long-distance runner Chimusasa said Coventry’s success was a beacon of hope.
“We are so proud of her as one of the Olympians. I once travelled with her to the Sydney Olympics,” said Chimusasa.
“It is so important for Africa and for Zimbabwe that we now have an African chosen to be the IOC president. She has made us incredibly proud.
“We are especially happy for women. I believe fellow women will feel inspired knowing that the first female IOC president is from Zimbabwe. What a historic moment.”
Former sprinter Gaily Dube echoed that sentiment, saying Coventry had raised the bar for what is possible through discipline and perseverance.
“I am privileged to witness this,” she said.
“I’m elated that one of our own has been elected as the first woman, first African, and first Zimbabwean to lead the IOC in our lifetime.
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“It is an inspiration. She is going to motivate many people, particularly women, to realise that we can also achieve great things.”
Former boxer Alexander Kwangwari, who represented Zimbabwe at the 1996 Olympic Games, added: “I am very proud of our Honourable Kirsty Coventry for representing us as Africa. I’m very happy for her.”
Current national team athletes also spoke of how the landmark moment would inspire their own efforts on the field of play.
With the Sables preparing for the Rugby Africa Cup in July, national rugby captain Hilton Mudariki said the unity and joy shown on Sunday underscored the power of sport to uplift a nation.
“It definitely inspires us,” Mudariki said.
“We know that sport can make a huge difference. Yes, we do face difficult times, but as you can see, everyone is happy.
“We are celebrating her. It’s something that will definitely push us to achieve more this year.”
Lady Chevrons cricketer Nomvelo Sibanda said Coventry’s story was a reminder that dreams are valid in the world of sport.
“I think I’ve been inspired,” said Sibanda. “I believe that everything is possible through sport.
“It’s a huge achievement. It’s definitely something that will inspire the younger generation to believe in their own potential and to play with purpose.”
Gilbert Kiprotich and Loice Chemnung won as Kenya dominated the podium of the men and women’s races at the Malaga Half Marathon in Spain on Sunday.
Kiprotich clocked 58:27 to take first place, ahead of fellow countrymen, Patrick Kabirech Mosin (58:44) and Richard Yator (1:01:21) who finished second and third respectively.
Japan-based Kiprotich was running his first official race this year, following his last in November last year.
On that occassion, the 24-year-old timed 27:19.35 to finish third in the men’s 10,000m at the Hachioji Long Distance competition in Hachioji, Japan.
One-two Kenyan finish
On the other hand, Chemnung timed 1:05:46 to top the women’s race, ahead of another Kenyan, Miriam Chebet, who clocked 1:07:01 in second.
Ugandan Joy Cheptoyek completed the podium in third, clocking 1:08:00.
Victory in Spain was the perfect comeback for Chemnung who failed to finish in her last race at the Osaka Women’s Marathon in Japan on January 26.
Furthermore, her time on Sunday was 12 seconds faster than last year’s edition of the same competition when she cruised to victory.
Chemnung’s other victory this year was at the Kenya Prisons Cross Country Championships where she clocked 33:09.7 to win the senior women’s 10km race.
Mwangi, Gesare shine in Milan
Elsewhere, Simon Mwangi and Morine Gesare won the men and women’s races respectively, at the Stramilano Half Marathon in Milan, Italy.
Mwangi clocked 1:00:54 to cut the tape, ahead of Rwandese Yves Nimuboma who finished second in 1:01:18.
The 2016 Africa Cross Country bronze medalist Charles Mneria finished third in 1:02:08.
In the women’s competition, Gesare led a podium sweep for Kenya, timing 1:08:47 in first place.
Stellah Chebet came second in 1:11:19 as another Kenyan, Monicah Chebet Chepkwony, clinched third in 1:11:25.
Martin Boyle has revealed the disappointment of not getting on the pitch in his first Socceroos camp under Tony Popovic in November propelled him back to career-best form ahead of their must-win World Cup qualifier against China on Tuesday night.
Boyle was left out of the matchday 23 against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne and was an unused substitute days later against Bahrain. He left Riffa with a burning desire to be better, returning to Scottish side Hibernian and banging in seven goals in his last 13 games.
“I’m contributing goals and assists again at club level and international which is just perfect,” Boyle said.
“Hard works gets you here.
“The strength and depth we have here now it’s really challenging so you have to be at the top of your game.
“Thankfully I’ve managed to catch the eye and get back into the team.”
Martin Boyle celebrates a goal during the round three FIFA 2026 World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The 31-year-old was substituted at half-time at Allianz Stadium with a groin complaint, but unlike strikers Kusini Yengi (hamstring) and Adam Taggart (groin), who picked up injuries in Sydney, Boyle travelled with the squad to Hangzhou.
“No issues at all on my front, just a slight tight groin. These things happen in football, but I think as management and physio department, precautionary at that point was needed.
“We were three-nil up at half time. It’s not often you can do that.
“It suited me, and it suited everyone else, so it was perfect and there’s no dramas.”
Mitch Duke has been called into the squad as cover for the absence of Yengi and Taggart. Duke was originally overlooked for the extended 26-player squad due to a lack of game time and goals at J-League club Machida Zelvia.
Boyle, deployed as a winger for most of his international career, could also be an option up-front for the Socceroos after filling that role for Hibernian this season.
“I started my career as a striker and then drifted out wide. I feel like it’s certainly a position I could fill.
“It would be different here. At Hibs I’m playing in a two – kind of a big guy, small guy role – but I think if I was called on to play there, I would certainly give my all.”
Socceroos hold 2nd spot in WCQ group | 02:34
The wingers in Popovic’s system play slightly more central than wider. It has taken time to get to grips with the demands of the role.
“I’m trying to learn what he (Popovic) wants me to do and adapt which I feel like is different aspects and elements to my game which is good, so I’m always learning.”
It shapes as a big 15-month period for Boyle, assuming the Socceroos make the World Cup next year in North America. He’s out of contract at the end of this season at Hibs and the next move – if indeed he does move at all – will lay the platform on which his bid to feature in that World Cup squad is built. A stint in the A-League remains a possibility.
“There may be a lot of discussions to be had with Hibs. That’s to remain. I’m a bit uncertain with that.
“It’s probably something that we’ll focus on at the end of the season.”
Major tournaments haven’t been kind to the Aberdeen born Australian. A knee injury saw him miss the 2019 Asian Cup before an anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled him out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the eve of the tournament in Qatar. Boyle was in camp in Doha when scans picked up the damage to his ACL.
“My goal is to get over that upset of the last World Cup. Obviously being selected and experiencing it but not experiencing it on the pitch that’s some I really want to do.”
Hibernian has become a home away from home for several Australian players. Boyle has been joined at the club by defenders Lewis Miller and Jack Iredale while midfielder Nectar Triantis is on loan from Sunderland.
“It has helped a lot to be fair,” Triantis said.
“I think players around you that understand your life and experiences really helps you to settle a lot quicker.”
3-0! Socceroos dominant first half surge | 01:31
Triantis has been dubbed the “Aussie Rodri” by Hibs supporters for his performances this season. Considering the Spain and Manchester City midfielder is the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, even a fleeting comparison is flattering.
His exploits weren’t enough to earn a spot in Popovic’s matchday squad against Indonesia though.
“He (Popovic) said to continue believing in myself. I’m a young player and my time will come. I just have to keep my head down and keep working hard until I get that opportunity. You can’t let yourself down by having a weak mentality.”
Still just 21, time is well and truly on Triantis’ side, and he didn’t even try and hide his elation once his maiden Socceroos call-up was confirmed.
“I was there when he got the message. He was absolutely buzzing,” said Boyle.
“Normally the guys give him a high five around the dressing room, but it was him; he was flying around the dressing room giving other people high fives.”
It’s not a version of events that Triantis disputes.
“It was sort of a little party for the next five minutes, celebrating it,” he said.
“It was just good to see all the boys get around me and really show that emotion for me.”
“I called my Mum straight away. You’re not allowed to call people in the change room, so they (the players) were calling for a fine. I didn’t care. I had to let my Mum know straight away.”
Sunderland is currently fourth in the Championship meaning a tilt at promotion to the Premier League is on the cards. Triantis is contracted to the Black Cats for another two years, having joined from the Central Coast Mariners in 2023, but has spent the last 13 months on loan at Easter Road.
“It’s another goal of mine to be in the Premier League; the best league in the world. That’s where all players aspire to be in. It would be a great thing for me personally to get promoted into the Premier League and from there I have to work as hard as I can to earn my spot in that team.”
Whether he’s included in Popovic’s match day squad against China remains to be seen. It’s an area of huge depth for Australia with Jackson Irvine, Aiden O’Neill and Ryan Teague also in camp.
Victory on Tuesday night will be vital to Australia’s hopes of joining group leaders Japan in sealing automatic qualification for the World Cup in North America next year.
The Socceroos currently sit second in group C, one point ahead of Saudi Arabia and four clear of Indonesia, Bahrain and China.
With Japan and Saudi Arabia to come in June another three points in Hangzhou is crucial with the top two ranked teams in the group at the end of that window earning a spot at the tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico.
A double blow for the Socceroos ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against China on Tuesday night with strikers Kusini Yengi and Adam Taggart ruled out of the match due to injury.
The Socceroos landed in Hangzhou on Saturday on a charter flight from Sydney, but Yengi and Taggart didn’t make the trip.
It’s believed Yengi picked up a hamstring injury that, although on the minor end of the scale, would’ve left him unable to play against China. The incident occurred at training.
The 26-year-old was an unused substitute in Australia’s 5-1 win over Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
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It continues a frustrating run on the fitness front for the forward. The Portsmouth striker had only recently returned to action from a three month lay-off due to a knee injury suffered while playing for the Socceroos against Bahrain during the last international window in November.
Yengi made his first start for Pompey since regaining full fitness last weekend, playing 68 minutes against Preston in the Championship before boarding a plane for the long trip to Australia.
His absence shapes as more than a minor inconvenience for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic. Yengi stands on the cusp of becoming Australia’s next first choice striker after scoring six goals in just 12 appearances for the national team.
“We don’t have anyone that has the style of play or the profile that Kusini has,” Popovic said when announcing the squad for the games against Indonesia and China.
“I was in London to watch him a few weeks ago. So, I saw the way he was moving. I can see that he has looked after his body really well.
“For a first game since November. He gives us something a little bit different to what the other attackers do.”
Adam Taggart of Australia. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
That is a card Popovic can now no longer play.
Taggart started against Indonesia on Thursday night and was substituted at half time. Just before the break he could be seen grabbing at his groin several times. Martin Boyle also didn’t take the field for the second half.
“They both had a bit of a niggle, maybe Adam a little bit more than Martin Boyle,” Popovic said post-game when asked about the fitness of the pair.
While Taggart was unable to make the trip to China, Boyle did.
Mitch Duke has been called in as cover. The striker, who has been a regular squad member since 2019, was a surprise omission for this window. A lack of game time and goals hurt his chances of selection initially.
The 34-year-old is on the books of Machida Zelvia in the J-League and has been limited to just 45-minutes this season.
With Taggart and Yengi unavailable it places extra responsibility on the shoulders of Western Sydney Wanderers frontman Brandon Borrello. He played the entire second half against Indonesia while winger Nishan Velupillay, who scored in Sydney, can also play as a striker. The Melbourne Victory attacker has two goals from three appearances in green and gold.
The Socceroos went into this camp already dealing with a raft of injuries to key players. Goalkeeper Joe Gauci (hip), defenders Hayden Matthews (ankle), Harry Souttar (achilles), and Jordy Bos (hamstring) are all sidelined while Riley McGree (knock) can’t get on the field at Middlesbrough.
3-0! Socceroos dominant first half surge | 01:31
Alessandro Circati continues to rehabilitate an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his knee and the 21-year-old Parma defender would’ve been a certain starter if available.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos could’ve been a contender for this camp as well, but for an injury plagued debut campaign in Scotland. The Motherwell forward has scored five goals in 18-games in all competitions but hasn’t featured since December 29 after hurting his calf. Just as the former Newcastle Jet was set to return, Motherwell revealed he’d been sent for surgery on a fractured wrist that could end his season.
Given that, securing six points in this window and maintaining Australia’s grip on second place in group C, would be some feat.
Group leaders Japan became the first non-host to secure a spot at next year’s World Cup after a 2-0 win over Bahrain in Saitama. They’re now guaranteed to finish first or second in group C.
Australia is desperately chasing the other automatic qualification spot that is up for grabs. They’re on 10 points and lead third placed Saudi Arabia by one. Indonesia, Bahrain and China are all on six points.
After facing China, Australia takes on Japan in Perth and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East in June to wrap up round three.
Thomas Tuchel made a winning start to his England reign without delivering on his promise of a vibrant new era as the Three Lions beat Albania 2-0 in their opening World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Tuchel had urged England to play without fear after claiming they were “afraid” in a scathing assessment of their Euro 2024 runners-up finish under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.
But the early returns were underwhelming as Tuchel’s side dominated possession at Wembley without providing much entertainment for the sell-out 82,378 crowd.
While it is far too early to judge Tuchel, the German – England’s third non-British manager – must know significant improvements are needed on the road to next year’s World Cup.
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Aged 18 years and 176 days, Myles Lewis-Skelly made history in the first half when the Arsenal defender became the youngest player to score on his England debut.
That was the highlight of an inconsistent England display which was hard to distinguish from the erratic fare served up by Southgate during his eight years in charge.
“He is such an open character,” Tuchel said of Lewis-Skelly.
“He was amazing in camp. Full of confidence, full of humour. You see everything on the pitch, off the pitch. He does it with a natural confidence. That’s how he plays football. Full of courage and quality. He was decisive and opened this game for us.”
Arsenal teammate Declan Rice continued on ITV: “He is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18.
“I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has.
“He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him.”
England captain Harry Kane, who played under Tuchel at Bayern Munich last season, netted late in the second half to put a more flattering gloss on the Group K opener.
The 31-year-old’s 70th international goal came just 24 hours after England’s record scorer claimed people were “bored” of his achievements.
England’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. Bradley Collyer/PA via APSource: AP
Tuchel was greeted with a banner unfurled by fans with the slogan “Welcome to the home of football Thomas” as he walked out of the tunnel before kick-off.
True to his word, Tuchel did not sing the English national anthem after saying he had to “earn the right” and there were few songs of praise for Tuchel as Wembley started to empty well before the final whistle.
Tuchel, whose side host Latvia on Monday, at least avoiding become the first England boss since Bobby Robson in 1982 to fail to win his first match.
Tuchel gave debuts to Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who scored in Sunday’s League Cup final win at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford was given a starting berth after his revival on loan at Aston Villa.
All three looked comfortable in Tuchel’s 4-2-3-1 formation but England could only muster a workmanlike start.
Tuchel stood in the technical area making occasional notes and clapping vigorously when England followed his demand for a high press to win the ball back.
The German was even more animated in the 20th minute as his decision to select Lewis-Skelly paid rich dividends.
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Jude Bellingham was the catalyst as he deftly turned to find space in midfield before stroking a sublime pass towards Lewis-Skelly, who timed his run perfectly to slot home from close-range.
Tuchel pumped his arms in celebration, with a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
The smile was nearly wiped from his face when Burn’s miscued block from Qazim Laci’s cross hit the bar in a panicked sequence that ended with the defender heading off the line.
Bellingham’s diving header was repelled by Thomas Strakosha before Kane’s follow-up was brilliantly blocked by Berat Djimsiti.
Burn almost reprised his Wembley goal against Liverpool last weekend with a towering header that clanged off the bar.
Tuchel’s hope that England would play with more intensity wasn’t helped by the soporific atmosphere, a stark contrast the Premier League passion he wants his team to emulate.
Kane headed narrowly wide from Bellingham’s cross after the interval, but England laboured to kill off an Albania side content to sit deep.
They finally landed the knockout blow in the 77th minute as Declan Rice’s cross reached Kane and he swivelled to curl into the far corner from 10 yards.
There was one word that permeated the Socceroos camp over the last week in Sydney.
Regardless of whether the player was a rookie or more experienced, each spoke of “mentality” being key to Australia’s hopes of automatically qualifying for the World Cup in North America next year.
When a similar theme or word pops up it can often sound rehearsed and therefore lose its meaning, but the steely look in the eye of each man who uttered it made you believe the intent behind the phrase was felt to their core.
It was mentality to meet the weight of expectation, to progress stylistically as a side and at a base level to win.
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Mentality proved to be anything but a buzzword and instead a safety net that caught the Socceroos as they threatened to fall into a hole that potentially would’ve plunged their qualifying campaign into crisis.
Midfielder Jackson Irvine, the captain of St. Pauli in the Bundesliga and a man accustomed to the pace of the game at the very top level, spoke of the immense pressure he and his teammates were under in the first 15-minutes.
“There was absolutely no time on the ball in the middle of the park,” he said.
The game might’ve ultimately finished 5-1 in favour of the Socceroos, but if it wasn’t for an incredible Mat Ryan save off a Jay Idzes header in the fifth minute and a missed penalty from Kevin Diks moments later, Australia could’ve been 2-0 down in the blink of an eye. The way other results panned out the Socceroos would’ve woken up on Friday morning in fourth spot in group C.
Mentality rescued them from that fate. The pressure of that first quarter of an hour, instead of breaking the side, could’ve laid the building blocks on which progress under coach Tony Popovic is built.
The thing about the right mentality though is that it’s not satisfied when imperfection is present. 5-1 seems like a scoreline where everything went to plan, but it didn’t.
Ryan, as captain of the side, has been raw and honest in recent post-game interviews. The skipper was asked if he was satisfied with the performance of the team, and his response was telling.
“I think the scoreline sort of flatters us to be honest,” he said.
“With the start of the game they had two big chances and if they put one of them away it could’ve been a different game.
“I think we can be much better. Our standards, I think we fell short of that tonight, even though we got the result that we did.
“It’s important we learn and get better.”
There are signs those learnings happened in game instead of in a painful debrief on the day after the contest.
The Socceroos have created plenty of chances during this third round but converted relatively few before conceding either a luckless equaliser, or worse, one in unfortunate circumstances that handed victory to their opponents. When you don’t take control of your own destiny in football the margin for misfortune to impose itself gets larger. Australian football history is littered with such painful moments.
It’s what made the ease with which the Socceroos went from scrambling to cruising so unexpected. It was a turnaround built on mental resolve.
The side now heads to Hangzhou in China on a charter flight amid an atmosphere of calm and confidence instead of chaos and crisis. They know they’re far from the finished article under Popovic – he made as much clear immediately after full time – but escaping the cauldron like pressure Indonesia and their fans heaped on them in Sydney has made them stronger.
Three more points on Tuesday night will only strengthen that resolve and bring them one step closer to a spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup in the process.
NAIROBI — Kenya’s Susan Ejore qualified for the finals of the women’s 1500m at the ongoing World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
The United States-based runner clocked 4:12.41 in Heat 1 of the women’s 1500m on Friday afternoon to book her ticket in the final.
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay won the Heat after stopping the timer at 4:11.87, ahead of second-placed Sinclaire Johnson of the United States, who ran 4:12.18.
Ejore joins Lilian Odira, Noah Kibet and Alex Ngeno who secured their berths to the semi-finals of the 800m on the opening day of the global showdown.
Odira clocked 2:04.46 to finish second in Heat 1 of the women’s 800m, won by Portugal’s Patricia Silva who ran 2:04.44, in a tightly contested race.
Ethiopia’s Habitam Alemu also qualified from the same race after clocking 2:04.48 to clinch third place.
On the other hand, Kibet — the 2022 World Indoor silver medalist — timed 1:48.31 to finish second in Heat 4 of the men’s 800m.
American Josh Hoey triumphed in 1:48.14 as Italian Giovanni Lazzaro came third in 1:48.75.
Ngeno also finished second in Heat 5 of the men’s 800m, clocking 1:48.17, behind winner, Jakub Dudycha of the Czech Republic, who stopped the timer at 1:48.04.
Poland’s Patryk Sieradzki also qualified after clocking 1:48.20 in third place.
Australia’s Socceroos simply must take care of business against Indonesia in tonight’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier with direct qualification on the line in Sydney.
With four games left in this phase of AFC qualifying, the Socceroos are one of five teams within one point of the second direct qualification spot.
With games against continental powers Japan and Saudi Arabia to come on the final matchdays, Australia simply must take advantage of games against relative minnows Indonesia and China over the coming week to bank points and ensure they will advance directly.
Finishing third or fourth in the group would advance the Socceroos into the fourth round of AFC qualifying – which involves a pair of three-team groups with two nations to directly qualify, and another two advancing into a playoff – while finishing fifth or sixth would eliminate them entirely.
The match gets underway at 8:10pm AEDT from Sydney Football Stadium.
AFC FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING – GROUP C STANDINGS (Start of night)
1. Japan – 5-1-0, 16 pts (+20 goal difference)
2. Australia – 1-4-1, 7 pts (+1)
3. Indonesia – 1-3-2, 6 pts (-3)
4. Saudi Arabia – 1-3-2, 6 pts (-3)
5. Bahrain – 1-3-2, 6 pts (-5)
6. China – 2-0-4, 6 pts (-10)
Australia’s remaining games: vs Indonesia in Sydney on March 20, vs China in Hangzhou on March 25, vs Japan in Perth on June 5, vs Saudi Arabia away on June 10
Matchday 7 games: Australia vs Indonesia in Sydney, Japan vs Bahrain in Saitama, Saudi Arabia vs China in Riyadh
Top two nations qualify directly for World Cup
Third and fourth enter fourth round of AFC qualifying
Watch Australia vs Indonesia live from 8pm AEDT on Ten.
Louis Thomas Buffon, the son of Italian goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon and Czech model Alena Seredova, said Wednesday he saw his future with the Czech national team rather than Italy.
The 17-year-old winger, who made his Serie B debut with Pisa earlier this month, has arrived in Prague for the Czech Under-18 team’s training camp ahead of a tournament in Portugal.
“I talked to the family and we decided that playing for the Czech Republic would be best for my football career and my development,” Buffon said in an interview for the Czech Football Association (FACR).
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Buffon was first called up for a training camp in February and now he will try to secure a place in the squad in games against England, France and Portugal.
“My mum was naturally very happy but my dad was excited too because it was my first national team call-up,” Buffon said.
“He also advised me to play for the Czech Republic, because it’s the best way I can evolve as a player.”
Despite having a Czech mother, Buffon admitted he was struggling with the tricky language.
“I don’t speak Czech really well but when I found out I could come here, I started to learn,” he said.
“I spend about 10 minutes on Duolingo every day,” he added.
Former Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFPSource: AFP
Buffon Jr’s arrival for the February training camp sparked remarkable interest among fans and media.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect that, but I have grown up under a microscope with my parents since I was a child and I hope they have taught me what to do and say,” he said.
Buffon said he would not have a problem playing against Italy some day.
“I was born and grew up in Italy, but I think that to be a 100-percent professional and do my job as best I can, I have to see each game as important, whether against Italy or another national team,” he added.
Gianluigi Buffon, who won 10 Serie A titles with Juventus and led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, married model, TV show host and actress Seredova in Prague in 2011.
The couple who have two sons divorced three years later.
