A pair of strikes from Yu Dabao and Wang Yongpo helped China snatch the first win in EAFF East Asian Cup following a comfortable 2-0 victory over DPR Korea in Wuhan on Wednesday.
After losing the first match to South Korea, most of the Chinese players were criticized for "lack of fighting spirit". Compared to the first match, China's coach Alain Perrin made nine changes in starting line-up. Zeng Cheng, Yang Xu, Sun Ke were given starting places.
Ri Chol-Myong of DPR Korea tested China's goalkeeper Zeng Cheng in the 15th minute as his long-distance shot was denied.
Yu Dabao broke the deadlock in the 36th minute as the Beijing Guo'an player chested down Sun Ke's cross from the right and slotted the ball into the net.
The visiting team missed the golden opportunity for the eqaulaizer in the stoppage time of the first-half as Ro Hak-Su saw his shot inside the box wide off the near post.
China doubled their lead just 5 minutes after the break as Wang Yongpo converted a spot-kick which was his first goal for the national team after Perrin steered the team.
DPR Korea kept to threatening China's defense in the rest of the match, trying to pull a goal back. Zeng Cheng's good performance denied opponents' bid to rewrite the score.
"It's a good thing to take the victory, I am satisfied with the tactics. We found the new energy through rotating the team. We are a united and brave team, so we can face the next match under pressure," said Perrin.
China have three points after two games and are scheduled to play against Japan on Sunday.
