Nishan Velupillay scored another goal and Melbourne Victory team-mate Ryan Teague impressed on debut as the Subway Socceroos edged closer to 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualification with a 2-0 win over China.
Velupillay made it two goals in two matches while Jackson Irvine was also on target in the first half in Hangzhou, where Australia took another important step towards qualifying for next year’s showpiece event in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Victory star Velupillay has now scored three goals in his five international appearances since debuting under Tony Popovic in October, with the Socceroos ending the March window second in Group C – three points ahead of Saudi Arabia.
“Any goal you’ll take,” Velupillay told Paramount+ post-match. “I feel like I get into the right positions now. I still have a lot to improve on, I know that.
“Just grateful to put on this shirt again.”
Velupillay was not the only Victory player in the starting XI as he was joined by a familiar face in Ryan Teague, along with team-mate Daniel Arzani who came off the bench.
Teague started on debut for the Socceroos and the 23-year-old midfielder did not look overawed in the centre of the pitch alongside Irvine.
“I’m super stoked. It’s a proud moment for me but not only for me but my family,” Teague told Paramount+.
“I’ve gone through the ups and downs of football and to put on the jersey tonight and start for my country, it’s the proudest moment I’ve had so far.”
Popovic coached Teague during his Victory tenure and the Socceroos boss added to Paramount+: “It’s a great way to start isn’t it? When you make your debut, you have a couple of great touches early on and it settles the nerves
“He is a very level-headed young man. I know him well and he enabled some good balance for us in midfield.”
“The team helped him really settle into the game and I thought he played a major part.”
Attention will now turn to this weekend’s games for the Socceroos’ Isuzu UTE A-League players.
Victory trio Teague, Velupillay and Arzani will return to Melbourne for a blockbuster Original Rivalry double header against Adelaide United on Saturday night.
