China beat Singapore 2-1 at WC qualifying for Asia Zone
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Play VideoOn Friday China hosted Singapore in it's opening match of World Cup qualifying for the Asian Zone. The game was played in the city of Kunming in southwestern China. The match was also the first test for former Spanish coach Jose Antonio Camacho.
Camacho was hoping to make a winning start to his campaign in China. And his team controlled the game in the beginning of first half. Their ball possession reach nearly 72% and several chances were created.
But it was Singapore who stunned the home fans as their 41 year old striker Aleksandar Duric found space inside the area to slam home from close range.
After the break, China was awarded a penalty kick when Singapore's goal keeper fouled Chen Tao at the edge of the area. But Qu Bo misses the spot kick and Yu Hai's attempt also goes astray.
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In the 66th minute, Camacho sends on Yu Dabao and Celtic midfielder Zheng Zhi with immediate effect.
China was awarded a ! second p enalty kick in the 69th minute. Zheng Zhi steps up and converts to make it one all.
Four minutes later, the Singaporian goal keeper blocks a shot from the right side of the area but fails to hold the ball. Yu Hai scores the winner for China after being on hand to flick in a rebound.
China holds on to win 2-1 and the national coach heaves a heavy sigh of relief.
China will next travel to Jordan while Singapore will host Iraq.
Jose Antonio Camacho, China Head Coach, said, "It's a very tough game. Our players worked very hard, both technically and physically. We need a good strike. When we sent on Yu Dabao and Zhen Zhi, Singapore was already very tired and we seized our opportunities. "
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