Iran's Sardar Azmoun (2nd L) shoots during the Russia 2018 World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Iran in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Sept. 6, 2016. (Photo: Xinhua/Tao Xiyi)
China earned a goalless draw at home with Asian top ranked Iran here on Tuesday, snatching the first point after two matches of the final round of the FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifiers.
Neither side could break the deadlock in a drab match as Iran seemed to be the favorite to win with more shots and ball possession.
Iran's forward Alireza Jahan Bakhsh came close to score in the 24th minute, but his angled shot in the area went wide. A header from Iran's midfielder Masoud Shojaei in the 31st minute narrowly missed the goal.
China never threatened Iran's goalkeeper Ali Reza Beiranvand in the first half without a shot on target until the 50th minute as forward Wu Lei's blast in the left side of area was blocked by an Iranian defender.
Iran had two more chances to score then including a powerful long shot and a corner kick, but failed to find the net. China's substitute midfielder Zhang Xizhe also had a long shot in the extra-time, which was parried by goalkeeper Beiranvand.
Chinese goalkeeper Zeng Cheng was injured in a clash with Iranian player in a save and forced to be substituted in first half before he was taken to hospital for ligament problem.
"Iranian players are physically strong and pressed us hard in the first half, so we can not give them real threat," said China head coach Gao Hongbo. "Generally speaking, I'm satisfied with my players' performance. We have eight matches to play and I think we can get better."
"We're the weakest team in World Cup qualifying final phase, so we can't afford to underestimate any team in the last 12," Gao added.
