NEW DELHI: South Korea secured their spot in the subsequent stage of Asia's World Cup qualifiers by routing Singapore 7-0 on Thursday. Meanwhile, in Shenyang, newcomer Behram Abduweli's late goal helped China draw 1-1 with Thailand, keeping their hopes alive.
The victory takes the Koreans to 13 points from five matches, ensuring they finish top of Group C with one game left to play. The top two teams from each of the nine qualification groups progress to the next round, vying for one of Asia's eight assured spots at the 48-team World Cup hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Lee Kang-in opened the scoring for the Koreans with a powerful shot into the top of Hassan Sunny's goal in the ninth minute, followed by Joo Min-kyu's header 11 minutes later.
Captain Son Heung-min scored twice after the interval, either side of a second for Lee while Bae Jun-ho and Hwang Hee-chan were also on target in interim coach Kim Do-hoon's first game in charge.
In Shenyang, Abduweli's late strike earned China a crucial point, despite Fei Nanduo's missed penalty in the second half. Supachok Sarachat had given the Thais the lead with a header in the 20th minute before Fei Nanduo squandered a chance from the spot in the 51st minute.
But Abduweli swept his effort past substitute goalkeeper Saranon Anuin with 11 minutes left as China stayed in second place, three points ahead of Thailand with one game remaining.
Vietnam kept their slim chances of progressing alive with a 3-2 victory over the Philippines in Group F, moving within a point of Indonesia, who suffered a 2-0 defeat against Iraq in Hanoi.
Iraq, who had already secured top spot, scored through Ayman Hussein's penalty and Ali Jasim's late goal against a home side reduced to 10 men after captain Jordi Amat's dismissal in the 59th minute.
Japan maintained their perfect record in Group B with a 5-0 win over Myanmar in Yangon, with Koki Ogawa scoring twice.
Oman improved their prospects in Group D by defeating Taiwan 3-0, while Australia also remained unbeaten with a 2-0 victory against Bangladesh in Dhaka in Group I. In Group E, Mehdi Taremi scored a hat-trick in Iran's 4-2 success against hosts Hong Kong.
Later on Thursday, Saudi Arabia face Pakistan in Group G, knowing a win will see them qualify for the next round, while Kyrgyzstan take on Malaysia in a crucial Group D encounter.
(With Reuters inputs)
