Zhang Yuning (1st R) of China competes during the men's football Group C match between China and Syria at the 18th Asian Games 2018 in Bandung, Indonesia on Aug. 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Wu Zhuang)
China beat Syria 3-0 in the men's soccer second round competition of the Jakarta Asian Games at SL Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Thursday.
With goals from Wei Shihao, Zhang Yuning and Chen Binbin, China have won two games to lock the group's right to qualify in advance.
In the first round of the group match, China beat East Timor 6-0 while Syria defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 1-0.
Against Syria, the Chinese team coach Maddaloni adopted the "4-3-3" formation with Zhang, Wei and Chen forming the frontline, with the trio scoring one goal apiece.
After 20 minutes, the Chinese team continued to attack the opponents' defense through rapid advancing of Wei and Chen, and gradually took the initiative. In the 35th minute, Chen took advantage of his speed and shot a high-quality long-range shot, which was saved by the Syrian goalkeeper.
Wei scored the opener in the 40th minute before Zhang made it two goals at the end of the first half, and Chen sealed the match in the 66th minute.
In another Group C match, the UAE defeated East Timor 4-1 to share second place with Syria, who will take on East Timor in its last group match.
China will face their last opponent UAE on Sunday night.
