China picked up its first point in the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, holding Iran to 0-0 in Shenyang yesterday.
China lost to South Korea 3-2 in Seoul in the opening Group A game five days previously. Another loss, and its dreams of adding to a solitary appearance at the World Cup, back in 2002, would be hanging by a thread.
Here are other results of the qualifying round:
SOUTH KOREA 0, SYRIA 0
This was played in Malaysia due to the ongoing security situation in Syria.
South Korea dominated possession but was frustrated by a hard-working Syrian backline.
“This is not a satisfactory result for us,” said South Korea coach Uli Stielike, who also complained about Syrian time-wasting.
THAILAND 0 JAPAN 2
Japan successfully bounced back from its opening loss at home to the United Arab Emirates.
Genki Haraguchi headed the dominant visitors into a first-half lead, and striker Takuma Asano sealed the win in the second half.
SAUDI ARABIA 2 IRAQ 1
Nawaf Al Abid scored twice from the penalty spot in the last nine minutes to put Saudi Arabia in first place in Group B with two wins from two matches.
Mohanad Abdulraheem scored early for Iraq, which also lost in Australia, and was still searching for a first point after two matches.
The game was also in Malaysia because of security issues in Iraq. AP
No Comments