Photo: VCG

The Chinese national soccer team is set to take on Australia in a critical World Cup Asian qualifier on Thursday in Adelaide, Australia, with both teams under pressure to improve their standing after difficult starts in the six-team group stage.

At the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, China head coach Branko Ivankovic acknowledged the tough challenge ahead. 

"It's going to be a difficult game. Australia are under immense pressure, and so are we. But pressure is part of the game - it excites the players, and I hope tomorrow they will enjoy the match and get a good result," Ivankovic said.

The Chinese team enter this match looking to turn things around after losing their first two group matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia. 

The 70-year-old Croatian reiterated his stance that the Chinese team is up against strong opponents, a sentiment he first expressed during their training session in Shanghai on October 4. 

"This will be our fourth tough match in Asia recently after meeting South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia," he stated. "But we will fight with all we have and aim for a positive result. I'm confident the players will give everything for their country."

When asked about the team's confidence after back-to-back losses, Ivankovic was adamant that the squad remains focused on their own performance. 

"What matters most is how we play. We came here with ambition. Out of the last four matches, three were away games - in Seoul, Tokyo, and now Adelaide. These are big challenges, we're playing the world's top teams," he said. 

"But we need to use these matches to gain experience, see where we stand, and work on closing the gap."

Both teams are in need of a win after poor starts to their respective qualifying campaigns, with Ivankovic facing growing calls for his resignation after China's literally pointless run in the qualifiers.

Australia, with just one point from two games, recently replaced coach Graham Arnold with Tony Popovic. 

Ivankovic said he is familiar with the new Australian head coach, noting Popovic's aggressive style and experience, especially during his time with Melbourne Victory. 

"He's a seasoned coach, and his teams play an attacking, aggressive style of soccer. It's going to be a high-intensity game, and we'll see what happens. Both teams are aiming for a positive result - we're not here just to play around. We're here to win."

China will have to contend with key absences, including top striker Wu Lei and forward A Lan, who couldn't travel to Australia. 

"We lost our top scorer, and we're not sure yet if they will be available for the next match against Indonesia," Ivankovic said, acknowledging the challenge. "But that's part of soccer. We will field the best players available, and they'll give everything on the pitch."

Another blow to China is the injury to defender Gao Zhunyi, which has opened the door for 21-year-old Hu Hetao, who was called up as a replacement. 

Hu is likely to make his debut for the senior national team, with Ivankovic hinting that the young fullback is a strong candidate to start. 

"We have two or three options at fullback, but we'll make a clearer decision after today's training. Hu is very motivated, and he's ready. We're excited to see what he can do."