Late Son strike seals Korea Republic win over Syria

Korea dominated the first half but failed to capitalise on their superiority, with Hwang Hee-chan guilty of wasting three glorious opportunities, before the East Asians did go in front shortly after the interval through Hwang In-beom’s long-range strike.

But the West Asians fought back strongly and levelled proceedings with just six minutes to go when Khribin struck an unstoppable effort into the back of the net, only for Son to break Syrian hearts by striking the winner just minutes later.

The home side were hopeful of a repeat of their victory on the same ground four years later which proved to be decisive in their qualification to Russia 2018, and they got what they came for thanks to super sub Firas Al Buraikan’s composed finish.

With both sides having not won either of their first two games, they needed a victory to make up for lost ground but a combination of superb goalkeeping and lack of clinical finishing meant they each had to settle for a point.

The Espanyol striker netted in the fifth minute of added time after Vietnam had fought back from going two goals down and looked set to claim a share of the points before Wu’s sensational winner.

Goals from Zhang Yuning and Wu looked to be sending the Chinese on their way to all three points in the United Arab Emirates, but strikes from Ho Tan Tai and Nguyen Tien Linh in the final 10 minutes pulled Vietnam level.

But Wu Lei’s winner means China have claimed their first victory after back-to-back defeats against Australia and Japan last month while Vietnam remain rooted to the bottom of the group after three rounds of matches.

Korea dominated the first half but failed to capitalise on their superiority, with Hwang Hee-chan guilty of wasting three glorious opportunities, before the East Asians did go in front shortly after the interval through Hwang In-beom’s long-range strike.

But the West Asians fought back strongly and levelled proceedings with just six minutes to go when Khribin struck an unstoppable effort into the back of the net, only for Son to break Syrian hearts by striking the winner just minutes later.

Avoiding defeat in Monday’s return leg will seal the Southeast Asian side a place in the final round of the Qualifiers but Chinese Taipei, who pulled one back right at the end, will be equally hopeful of advancing.

A Mehdi Taremi strike with 20 minutes remaining proved decisive, keeping Dragan Skočić’s side on top of Group A with their third win from as many matches in the Final Round.

Unable to end their long winless run against Team Melli, the result leaves the United Arab Emirates stranded on two points from their three outings, considerably raising the stakes ahead of their clash with Iraq on Tuesday, the same day Iran will meet Korea Republic in a top of the table tie.

Late Son strike seals Korea Republic win over Syria