China tops 'group of death' to reach men's football quarters

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept 23 (Xinhua) -- China drew 0-0 with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the final round of the men's football group stage at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Wednesday, finishing top of the group with five points to advance to the quarterfinals.

Going into the final round, China and Iran had four points apiece from one win and one draw, while DPRK and the UAE had one point each from one draw and one loss. All four teams are open for chances of advancing or being eliminated.

With a draw enough to secure qualification, China head coach Antonio Puche kept the same starting lineup and 5-3-2 formation used in the first two matches, with the team looking to launch counterattacks while maintaining a solid defense.

The first half was marked by intense physical contests and frequent stoppages for fouls, but neither side managed to create a clear scoring opportunity.

In the 51st minute, Zhang Yuning broke into the penalty area before shooting from a tight angle, with the ball narrowly missing the post. It was China's best chance of the whole match.

Two minutes later, players from both sides got involved in a heated confrontation. The referee showed yellow cards to Wang Yudong and Mansour Almenhali at the same time. As it was Wang's second yellow card of the tournament, he will miss the next match.

Needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive, the UAE stepped up the pressure in the closing stages. In the 57th minute, it found the net on a quick counterattack, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

In the 78th minute, the UAE took a short corner, with Leonard Ameismeuku heading toward the far corner, only for goalkeeper Li Hao to make a superb save. The UAE failed to create any further clear chances, and the score remained 0-0 until the final whistle.

In the other group match played simultaneously, DPRK came from behind to beat Iran 4-1. China finished top with five points, while DPRK and Iran both had four points, with DPRK advancing in second place on head-to-head advantage. The UAE finished bottom with two points.

Puche said he had not paid attention to the result of the other match, instead focusing on his own team during the match.

"This group has been extremely difficult. Every match has been very tough, and today was not different. But our players were outstanding. They kept fighting. I don't know what words I can use to praise my players, but I am really proud, extremely proud," said the Spanish.

China will face the second-placed team from Group A, either Japan or Thailand, in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

"We will watch the match between Japan and Thailand. I won't be too concerned about who our opponent will be, but will focus more on our own situation. Whoever the opponent is, whoever comes, we will face them together," said Puche.