"We're obviously very happy with the win. It was a very difficult match for us, but we came away from home with huge support (having defeated Indonesia 5-1 on Thursday), it was a fantastic atmosphere, so credit to everyone that came to the game," said Popovic.  

"I thought we handled the pressure very well and started the game full of confidence, controlling the match, and we deserve to be in the lead.”

Popovic was delighted with how Australia were able to cope with the different periods of the match. 

“In the first half, I thought we were excellent. In the second period, we had to defend more and were a bit under pressure, but overall we're happy with the win and we go home with two wins in this window, so a very successful window for us.”

Australia will end their campaign with two massive ties - against group winners Japan and Saudi Arabia - in June. 

Defeat left China PR rooted on six points but head coach Branko Ivankovic remained optimistic that his side can progress to the playoffs. 

“Our goal is to improve from match to match and become better and better. Unfortunately, the result is not what we all wanted, but we have many reasons to be optimistic."

“We have plenty of time ahead to analyse this match and the game against Saudi Arabia — to see what worked well and what the shortcomings were.”

Sitting three points behind fourth-placed Indonesia, China PR will have to defeat the Southeast Asians and Japan in June if they are to stand a chance of advancing to the playoffs, where an additional two tickets to the FIFA World Cup will be at stake.