China reignites World Cup dream with late winner, Iran, South Korea boost hopes

Late winner reignites China's World Cup dream

WUHAN, China (AP) — Zhang Yuning scored a late winner as China kept alive its slim hopes of reaching the 2022 World Cup with a 3-2 victory over Oman on Thursday.

Zhang struck in the 81st minute to give China its first win of the final round of qualifying in Asia.

China is still in last place in Group B but is now just three points behind Oman and Australia, who occupy the third and fourth places which carry a spot in the playoffs.

Iran and South Korea increase leads

Elsewhere in Group A, Iran moved closer to securing automatic qualification with a 1-0 win over Lebanon.

South Korea also boosted its hopes of reaching Qatar with a 2-0 victory over Iraq.

Iran is now five points clear of South Korea with three games remaining.