The former Sydney FC and newly-signed Derby County player had a disappointing start to his senior Socceroo campaign at right-back.

He failed to make an impact on the game and made two serious blunders with a passback to the goalkeeper inside the box, his header teeing up the China goal and later giving away the penalty.

But Zadkovich was unrepentant about the tackle that earned China the spot kick, initially scored but sent wide on an ordered re-take.

"It never was a penalty," Zadkovich told the Illawarra Mercury. "I didn't touch him, he milked the foul.

"I only had one thought in my head: 'justice prevails'. When he scored the first one and the referee ruled a retake I could see a miss happening in my head."

He added: "I thought I did all right, the game didn't really lend itself to me taking over.

"I had shivers when I was singing the national anthem; wearing the Australian shirt was the proudest moment of my life.

"It really was a special feeling, a priceless experience."

Zadkovich now hopes he can build an international career after making his debut.

"Pim Verbeek didn't play us for charity; we're the next generation of Australian players and he wanted to have a look at us," Zadkovich said.

"It was just a little taste; I want to play as many times as I can. I thought we were unlucky - things didn't bounce our way and a few decisions by the referee didn't go our way."

He added: "Hopefully I can stay in the team for the next stage of qualifiers - I can only train my hardest and show I can do the job.

"I'll have to be patient, there are some great players in front of me."