Velupillay Shines Once More for Socceroos as Another A-League Star Celebrates ‘Proudest Moment’

Nishan Velupillay found the back of the net once again, while Melbourne Victory team-mate Ryan Teague made an impressive debut as the Subway Socceroos moved closer to securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over China.

Velupillay has now scored in consecutive matches, and Jackson Irvine also contributed a goal in the first half in Hangzhou. This win represents another crucial advancement towards the World Cup, which will take place next year across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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The Victory standout Velupillay has netted three goals in his first five international appearances since debuting under coach Tony Popovic in October, with the Socceroos currently sitting second in Group C, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia, following the March window.

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“Any goal is a good goal,” Velupillay expressed to Paramount+ after the match. “I feel as though I’m getting into the right positions now, but I know there’s still much to work on.”

“I’m just grateful to wear this shirt again.”

Velupillay wasn’t the only Isuzu UTE A-League player who started in the match; he was joined by familiar faces including Teague, Melbourne City’s captain Aziz Behich and Brandon Borrello from Western Sydney Wanderers.

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Victory’s Daniel Arzani and Sydney FC’s Anthony Caceres were also introduced from the bench. Teague made his start for the Socceroos and the 23-year-old midfielder showed no signs of intimidation as he paired with Irvine in the heart of the midfield.

“I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s a proud moment for me, and for my family as well,” Teague told Paramount+.

“I’ve experienced the highs and lows of football, and wearing the jersey tonight and starting for my country is the proudest moment of my career thus far.”

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Popovic, who coached Teague during his time at Victory, remarked to Paramount+: “It’s a fantastic way to kick off your international career. Making your debut with a couple of brilliant touches early on really calms the nerves.”

“He’s a very composed young man. I know him well, and he provided excellent balance for us in midfield.”

“The team did a wonderful job helping him feel at ease during the game, and I believe he had a significant impact.”

All eyes will now turn towards the upcoming matches for the Socceroos’ Isuzu UTE A-League players this weekend.

Teague, Velupillay, and Arzani from Victory will head back to Melbourne for a highly-anticipated Original Rivalry clash against Adelaide United on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Behich and Caceres will go head-to-head as Sydney FC hosts City, and Borrello’s Wanderers are set to travel to face Wellington Phoenix.