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(AFP) Chinabreathed new life into theirWorld Cupdream when they stunnedQatar2-0 to move to the brink of the next round of qualifying on Tuesday.
Second-half goals fromHuang BowenandWu LeishockedQatar, who had won all seven of their previous Group C games, on a dramatic night inXi'an. China's win, together with thePhilippines' surprise 3-2 victory overNorth KoreainManila, putTeam Dragonin the box seat to clinch a spot in the third qualifying round and the 2019 Asian Cup.
Chinahave only qualified for oneWorld Cup,in 2002, butPresident Xi Jinpingis spearheading a drive to turn the giant Asian country into a footballing power. Their chances of reachingRussia 2018took an upturn in the 57th minute, when midfielderHuangburied 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 byWu, who had come close twice before.Qatar, who will host the2022 World Cup, were lacklustre and showed little threat despite their perfect record in their other qualifying games. China brought greater organisation and energy, boosted by a raucous home crowd in the ancient capital of Xi'an.
“My luck was good, it was a team effort,”Huangtold state broadcaster CCTV, before adding: “Chinese football is gradually improving.”
As the final games unfold,Chinaneed to finish among the four best-performing second-placed teams in eight qualifying groups to reach both the next stage and the2019 Asian Cup.
