Syria kept topping Group D with 11 points after the draw, while China ranked the second with 10 points, and almost booked a ticket to the finals as third-placed Vietnam could only surpass China in the last round game in theory.
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China's players pose for a group match before a Group D match of the Asian Cup 2011 Final Qualification Round against Syria in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 6, 2010 |
China took some advantage in the first half with more ball possession and midfielder Shao Jiayi squandered three great chances. The Cottbus player fired a cunning header at the far post following Rong Hao's accurate left wing cross on 32 minutes, but his effort was cleared by a diving defender from the goal line.
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Syria's Khatib (front R) tries to break through during a Group D match of the Asian Cup 2011 Final Qualification Round against China in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 6, 2010. |
Syria threatened the hosts with several mid-range shots.
The second period was more dull as both teams lacked fine organization and shots. The hosts had a clear chance in the 84th minute, but substitute striker Qu Bo hit the side net inside the box.