Changsha: China PR kept their FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Asian Qualifiers hopes alive on Thursday with a victory over Korea Republic in Changsha.
Having failed to register a win in their opening five Group A games, China PR had appeared to be heading for an early exit from the race to reach Russia. However, with Syria also claiming three points against Uzbekistan on Thursday, China PR’s race may not yet be run.
The match itself was a tale of creative woe for visitors Korea Republic. China PR attempted just 294 passes to the visitors 514 and completed just 60.2 percent of those compared to Korea Republic’s 75.7 percent. Korea Republic also attempted a remarkable 29 crosses into the area to just eight from China PR, yet were unable to carve out much in the way of clear cut chances.
For all of Korea Republic’s 65 percent of the overall possession, the shot count still read 12 apiece come full-time. Uli Stielike’s side managed just five attempts on target.
Marcello Lippi’s team selection had been a hot topic pre-game, with Tianjin Quanjian attacking midfielder Wang Yongpo coming into the side as a nominal wide player in a 4-3-3 formation.
Consequently, China PR played very narrowly, ceding space to their opponents on the flanks and allowing Korea Republic to generate such a large number of crosses into the area.
While Korea Republic did manage to get two of their best efforts on goal from Ji Dong-won headers, China PR generally dealt well with the barrage from wide areas safe in the knowledge that their narrow system left them with plentiful numbers in central areas.
It was then up to China PR to take advantage of set pieces and counter-attack opportunities in order to pose an attacking threat.
In the first-half in particular it was a system executed perfectly, with Wu Lei and striker Yu Dabao linking well in transition play to carve out a couple of opportunities on the break.
Yu was well denied early on by Korean goalkeeper Kwoun Sun-tae, but the gloveman could do nothing to stop the Beijing Guoan striker’s header after 34 minutes which proved to be the game’s deciding moment.
Pre-match many observers questioned whether Korea Republic would be able to overcome the absence of key forward Son Heung-min and it was clear on the night that Stielike’s side were missing their most reliable attacking outlet.
China PR dealt comfortably for the most part with what was attempted, with centre-back Feng Xiaoting enjoying a tremendous game.
For all the ball they were allowed to enjoy around the penalty area, Korea Republic were unable to move the ball into the right areas to generate chances with a high probability of success.
While Chinese goalkeeper Zeng Cheng had an excellent night in general, punching clear crosses with confidence and making a couple of fine saves, the Guangzhou Evergrande ‘keeper would have expected to be tested with greater regularity.
China PR will now move on to face Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran where they will surely be given a far sterner defensive examination. Defeat on the road, while not extinguishing their World Cup hopes, would once more put Lippi’s side on the brink of exiting the process.
For Korea Republic, next Tuesday’s game with Syria is a must-win if they are to remain in pole position for automatic qualification for Moscow.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com