ADELAIDE, Australia, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Wei Shihao, who missed China's first two matches in the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers, expressed optimism on Tuesday about his team's chances in their upcoming clash with Australia.
"Football is unpredictable," said Wei, who plays for Chinese Super League side Chengdu Rongcheng. "It's not guaranteed who will win; both sides have a chance."
With less than 48 hours until the game, tensions were high at China's training session at Service FM Stadium, on the outskirts of Adelaide. The team is under pressure following back-to-back defeats in their first two matches.
Wei, who was suspended by the Chinese Football Association for a violent foul on a Wuhan player during a Super League match in April, has been recalled by head coach Branko Ivankovic due to injuries to key players Wu Lei and Alan.
"I think every player who joins the national team is ready," Wei said. "There's always pressure, but we're using it as motivation to improve and perform well in the upcoming games."
China is currently at the bottom of Group C, after suffering a 7-0 defeat to Japan in their opening match, followed by a 2-1 home loss to a 10-man Saudi Arabia.
本场比赛流通经济大柏火力全开，上半场山野春太、和田哲平2名球员完成梅开二度，外加龟田步梦的进球，半场结束流通经济大柏以5-0的比分领先；下半场龟田步梦也完成梅开二度，再加上奈须琉世和柚木创的进球，最终8-0狂胜对手。
Commenting on these defeats, Wei said, "We're definitely going to make some adjustments. There will be changes in our mentality and other areas."
Under Ivankovic, Wei has often been deployed as a center forward, rather than his usual position as a winger. Despite the shift, he believes players must adapt to different tactical plans.
"Every coach has their own approach新澳门六合彩资料," Wei noted. "As players, we need to be flexible. Whether it's playing on the wing, as an attacking midfielder, or deeper, it benefits you. Coaches shouldn't adapt to you; you need to adapt to the coach." ■