Slick teen lifts China's World Cup hopes

Teenage forward Zhang Yuning has given China's World Cup hopes a lift after a bustling competitive debut confirmed his emergence as one of the country's most exciting new soccer talents.

The Dutch-based 19-year-old, instantly recognizable by his slicked-back hair, proved a real handful for Iran's defence as China held Asia's top-ranked side 0-0 for its first point in the final round of qualifying for Russia 2018.

Zhang was singled out by Iran's experienced coach Carlos Queiroz after Tuesday's stand-out performance, in which he twice came close to breaking the deadlock in Shenyang.