China stun Qatar 2-0 to revive World Cup hopes

Home side’s victory, together with Philippines’ surprise 3-2 win over North Korea, puts Team Dragon in the box seat to clinch a spot in the final round of Asian qualifiers

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Huang Bowen celebrates the opening goal in China’s 2-0 victory over Qatar in their group C World Cup qualifier in Xian. Photos: Xinhua

Published: 12:15am, 30 Mar 2016Updated: 1:27pm, 11 Apr 2016

China breathed new life into their World Cup soccer dream when they stunned Qatar 2-0 on Tuesday night to move to the brink of the next round of qualifying.

Second-half goals from Huang Bowen and Wu Lei shocked Qatar, who had won all seven of their previous group C games, on a dramatic night in Xian.

My luck was good, it was a team effort. Chinese football is gradually improving

China midfielder Huang Bowen

China’s win, together with the Philippines’ surprise 3-2 victory over North Korea in Manila, put Team Dragon in the box seat to clinch a spot in the third qualifying round.

China have only qualified for one World Cup, in 2002, but President Xi Jinping is spearheading a drive to turn the nation into a footballing power.

China captain Feng Xiaoting traps the ball as Qatar captain Meshal Abdulla moves in.

Their chances of reaching Russia 2018 took an upturn in the 57th minute, when midfielder Huang buried a shot from outside the penalty box into the corner after a goalmouth scramble.

This was followed by a close-range strike in the 88th minute by Wu, who had come close twice before.