China gains first point towards 2018 World Cup qualification with 0-0 draw to Iran

China gained its first point in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, holding Iran to a 0-0 draw in the Northeastern city of Shenyang.

The draw comes after China lost 3-2 to South Korea in the Group A opener in Seoul on Thursday.

Elsewhere, it was another 0-0 draw between South Korea and Syria. The match, played in Malaysia due to security concerns in Syria, saw coach Uli Stielike complain to his side about inefficient use of time.

Japan downed Thailand 2-0 in Bangkok, with striker Takuma Asano securing the victory in the second half. Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic called it an important win for his side, while Thai coach Kiatisuk Senamuang lauded the skill shown by the visiting Japanese team, saying he expected them to qualify for a sixth straight World Cup.

Worries over security in Syria also meant that the match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia had to be moved to Malaysia. That game ended with a 2-1 victory for the Saudi side, with attacking midfielder Nawaf Al Abid bagging two goals in the final nine minutes of play.

The loss leaves Iraq still in need of a first point after two rounds.

（APD）