China Reserves World Cup Berth

China is running on the track for its first appearance in the World Cup, maintaining its undefeated record.

Led by `a Yugoslav Contractor` Head Coach Bora Milutinovic, China defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 with goals by Li Weifeng and Fan Zhiyi in the 2002 World Cup Group B qualifier at Shenyang.

Finishing a half of 8 qualifying games, China leads Group B in Asia with 10 points (3 wins and 1 draw), and made 4 points difference from the second place Uzbekistan (6 points).

In remaining games, China will face relatively weak opponents over which it won at the first match except Qatar with which it drew, so that China is expected to easily earn a berth for the next year`s World Cup.

Supported by the cheers of 60,000 home fans, China has been putting pressure on Uzbekistan, but it was frustrating not to get score in the first half.

However, the Chinese team won with two goals by a defender Li Weifeng`s header from the corner kick in the 18th minute and Fan Zhiyi`s free kick in the 32nd minute of the second half.

Meanwhile, in Group A qualifier at Bangkok, Saudi Arabia won the come-from-behind victory over Thailand, and moved up to the second place with 7 points (2-1-1), 1 point behind the first place Iran.

Saudi Arabia allowed a goal to a Thai Sakesan Pituratana in the first half, but Sami Al Jaber, Abdullah S. M. Binghehan and Obaid S. Al Dosari scored for the visitors to reverse the game in the second half. Thailand (0-2-2) shamefully failed to win even a victory for the last 4 qualifiers.

Iran (2-0-2) played a scoreless tie against Bahrain (1-0-3) and maintained a precarious lead in Group A at Azadi Stadium, Tehran.

Bae Keuk-In bae2150@donga.com