<p>The Socceroos took a huge step toward World Cup qualification on Thursday night with a comprehensive win over Indonesia, but the job is far from finished.</p> <p>They must now turn their attention to a tricky road trip against China in Hangzhou. Australia last played China in October last year in a WCQ that the Socceroos won 3-1.</p> <p>That was Down Under in Adelaide however, and playing China in China is a completely different beast.</p> <p>Are the Socceroos up to the task? Or will their hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup take a devastating blow? Let’s find out.</p> <p>For the latest analysis, team news, odds and more ahead of this must win World Cup Qualifier, check out our Australia vs China prediction and preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Who is in the Socceroos Team?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Tony Popovic named an extended 26-man squad before the Indonesia game and those same 26 players will be at his disposal against China in this crucial World Cup Qualifier.</p> <p>While there are plenty of familiar faces that have returned to the Green and Gold fold, there are a total of six players named who are currently uncapped.</p> <p>For four of them, this marks their first time being called up to the senior national team, with Popovic deciding the time is right for Alex Grant (Sydney FC), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory FC), Kai Trewin (Melbourne City FC) and Nectarios Triantis (Hibernian FC) to all get a taste of the big time.</p> <p>You can see the full Socceroos squad for the upcoming game against China below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Socceroos Squad to Face China</h3> <p>Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Jason Davidson, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Thomas Glover (GK), Craig Goodwin, Alex Grant, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo (GK), Fran Karacic, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan (GK), Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Nectarios Triantis, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Kusini Yengi.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Australia vs China Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After a shaky start, Australia reminded everyone of their quality in their last start against Indonesia.</p> <p>After conceding an early penalty, which was duly missed, the Socceroos ran in five goals of supreme quality.</p> <p>Popovic drew the ire of some supporters for his team selection but was soon vindicated by his picks. Adam Taggart provided strong hold-up play up top, while Nishan Velupillay scored an early goal after his surprise start.</p> <p>The decision to start Craig Goodwin on the bench was an interesting one to say the least and the talented wide man rose from the pine to provide two assists from set pieces in the second half.</p> <p>Against an opponent like China who should be a lot harder to break down than Indonesia, Popovic may elect to play Goodwin from the start. Watch this space.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Australia vs China Prediction and Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head (H2H)</h3> <p>The last time these two sides met, Australia ran out 3-1 winners. With the drastic change in location from Adelaide Oval to Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, we think the result could be a little different.</p> <p>Many held reservations about this road trip, but after Australia’s performance against Indonesia, victory in China is not only possible, but now almost expected.</p> <p>If the Socceroos can harness the momentum gained from the five goals they bagged last time out, there’s no way they can’t go and find a hard-fought victory here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>: Australia.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal</h3> <p>Martin Boyle opened the scoring from the penalty spot against Indonesia, but we’re looking elsewhere for this game.</p> <p>After his impact off the bench, we’re tipping Goodwin not just to start here, but also to open the scoring, perhaps from a ferocious free-kick or a trademark long range effort.</p> <p>Goodwin was also on the scoresheet last time these two nations faced off, so he has form against this particular opponent.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Craig Goodwin.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Correct Score</h3> <p>We doubt Australia will run away with it here like they did against Indonesia. There are also certainly some defensive frailties for the Green and Gold at the moment with so many first-choice centre-halves sidelined.</p> <p>Therefore, we expect China to find the back of the net at some point. Still, a solid, hard-fought, 2-1 victory to the Socceroos is making plenty of sense to us.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>2-1 Australia.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch Australia vs China</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Everyone Down Under can watch Australia vs China live and free on Network 10. Coverage will be broadcast on Channel 10 and on 10 Bold for all those who live in Perth.</p> <p>The Socceroos vs China will also be streamed live on both 10Play and paid subscription service Paramount+.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Australia vs China Time and Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kick-off: </strong>10:00pm AEDT.</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Tuesday, March 25, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou.&nbsp;</p>