Chinese national football team head coach Branko Ivankovic is expecting a tough game between Australia and China with a good result in World Cup qualifier.
ADELAIDE, Australia, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese national football team head coach Branko Ivankovic has said he is expecting an aggressive style of play from Australia's Socceroos in Thursday's World Cup qualifying match.
China will play the Socceroos at the 53,500 capacity Adelaide Oval on Thursday night in a crucial game for both teams in the third round of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Ivankovic told reporters that he is expecting the Socceroos to play aggressively in their first match under new head coach Tony Popovic, who was appointed to the role after the resignation of Graham Arnold in September.
"I expect a very hard, very tough game against us," Ivankovic said.
"They will want to start with a good game, with a good result but we have the same reason to come here."
Australia and China are currently fifth and sixth in Group C in the third qualifying round, with both sides winless in their opening two matches.
Ivankovic said the match is China's fourth in a row against the best teams in Asia following defeats against South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
"We have to play against everybody, we prepare ourselves to play against the best teams in Asia or the world. To play under pressure is a privilege. I expect my players to enjoy the game and show their best performance," he said.
Appearing alongside Ivankovic, defender Jiang Guangtai said he is expecting an intense match with both sides under pressure to win. ■