Popovic says Australia need more improvement to book World Cup slot

SYDNEY - Australia proved they could deal with pressure after beating China 2-0 in front of 80,000 hostile fans on Tuesday but will need to go up another level in their next World Cup qualifier against Japan, coach Tony Popovic said.

The win in Hangzhou, combined with last Thursdays 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney, put the Socceroos in the driving seat in the race for second place in Group C and the automatic spot at the 2026 finals that goes with it.

They hold a three-point buffer over third-placed Saudi Arabia going into their penultimate qualifier in Perth on June 5 against Japan, who have already locked up top spot in the group and booked their ticket to North America.

I think the main point for us was we were in front when we started this window, and can we stay there at the end of the window? Popovic said after Tuesdays win.

We did our part. We got six points. We extended our lead to three. So were in a good position.

Its in our hands, but we have to get the job done. Wonderful two games coming up, first Japan in Perth, it will be a special match, and were looking forward to that.

Australias final qualifier on June 10 looks set to be a winner-takes-all clash with the Saudis in another hostile environment.

Popovic said he was still looking for improvement but felt the character the Socceroos had shown in the wins over Indonesia and China would hold them in good stead for the run-in.

They can certainly play under pressure. They can handle the expectation, and they improved, Popovic added.

When you look at this second game, the performance that we had was much better than the first, although wed be happy with five goals