Future host gets tough draw

Qatar received a difficult draw for the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday as it embarks on its final attempt to qualify for the tournament before hosting it in 2022.

The Gulf state was bracketed with rapidly emerging China, which impressed at this year's Asian Cup, and will also face tricky trips to Hong Kong and Bhutan.

Qatar has never reached the World Cup and an appearance at Russia 2018 would help assuage critics who question its credentials as host of soccer's biggest competition.