Jubilant Lewis Miller says 'emotions took over' after he notched a first international goal for Australia.

The Hibs right-back rose highest to head home a crucial equaliser for the Socceroos as they came from behind to beat China in World Cup qualifying on Thursday. Miller's reaction suggested the moment was pure catharsis after his Asia Cup agony earlier this year The 24-year-old was culpable in defeat in a dramatic quarter-final back in February, with Miller heavily criticised by Australian fans and media in the aftermath.

But with the Aussies winless in their opening two third-round qualifiers for USA and Canada 2026, he was restored to the starting line-up by new manager Tony Popovic. Popovic replaced long-term boss Graham Arnold following his decision to step down in September, ushering in a new style of play and handing Miller a chance to impress. And with his side 1-0 down heading towards the interval, the defender delivered in style, sparking a wild-eyed celebration.

“You can see from my facial expressions on the big screen that I just let my emotions take over," said Miller. "I was absolutely buzzing to get my first international goal – hopefully the first of many. The last two results we had obviously weren't up to expectation, but the new manager has come in, implemented a new philosophy of football and we're just glad we got the win."

Among Popovic's early changes in setup was to advance Miller into a more attacking, wing-back role, which the player believes affords him greater 'freedom' to affect the game. His goal was the springboard for a successful second-half push, as further strikes from Craig Goodwin and Nishan Vellupilay wrapped up a highly significant result.

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“I’m in a different role now, playing as wingback, getting up and down the pitch, which gives me a lot of time and space, a bit of freedom," Miller explained. "I’m going to adjust to that position and, as the boys adjust to this system, we’re going to get better and better. Obviously my goal late in the first half set the momentum for the second half. Then we just put the foot on the pedal and took over in the second half.

"The message at half-time was positive. We’d been very good on the ball, dominating possession. We knew they were going to crack eventually. There’s been a bit of familiarisation with the new philosophy. But I think all the boys are very excited about the next chapter. This team is going to get better and better.”

Victory drags Australia back into automatic qualification contention, putting behind them a shock defeat to Bahrain and a stuttering stalemate with Indonesia. They next face Japan away on Tuesday, where another win would haul them to within two points of the Group C leaders.