China hold Iran to 0-0 for first 2018 qualifying point

Syria’s Jehad Al Baour (right), fights for the ball with South Korea’s Lee Chung-Yong (center), during the World Cup Group qualifying soccer match in Seremban, Malaysia

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