'Hell to heaven' as China reignite World Cup hopes with late winner

Wu Lei's dramatic late strike keeps China's World Cup hopes alive after coming from behind to beat Oman

China came from behind to beat Oman 2-1 on Thursday, keeping their hopes of reaching the 2022 World Cup alive and ending their opponents' chances of making it to Qatar.

Wu Lei’s 75th-minute goal secured a crucial three points for Li Xiaopeng’s side, who had fallen behind to Arshad al-Alawi’s 12th-minute opener in Muscat.

Oman had the better of the opening exchanges and took the lead when al-Alawi latched onto a long ball over the top of the Chinese defense and lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Yan Junling.

China gradually worked their way back into the game and deservedly equalized in the 21st minute when Zhang Yuning fired home from close range after Wu Lei’s shot had been parried by Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim al-Mukhaini.

The visitors continued to press for a winner and were rewarded when Wu Lei, who plays his club football for Espanyol in Spain, fired home from the edge of the area.

The win moves China up to third place in Group B, two points behind Saudi Arabia and Australia with three games remaining.

Oman, meanwhile, are now out of contention for a place at the World Cup after failing to win any of their first seven games.

"It was a very difficult game, but we never gave up," said China coach Li Xiaopeng.

"We showed great character to come from behind and win the game.

"We still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup, and we will fight until the end."

Oman coach Branko Ivankovic was disappointed with the result, but praised his team for their efforts.

"We played well and created chances, but we couldn't take them," he said.

"We're disappointed to lose, but we can still be proud of our performance.

"We will learn from this experience and come back stronger in the future."