China edges South Korea 1-0 to keep Word Cup hope alive

Chinese forward Yu Dabao celebrates after scoring the winning goal during a World Cup qualification match against South Korea in Changsha of Central China March 23, 2017.  [Photo/Xinhua]

SEOUL, South Korea — Marcello Lippi earned his biggest victory since taking over as coach of China's national soccer team, leading his squad to a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier.

The coach, who led his native Italy to the World Cup title in 2006, was hired by China in October.

Yu Dabao scored the lone goal at Helong Stadium in Changsha with a header in the 34th minute, giving China only its second victory over South Korea in 32 matches.

China spent much of the second half defending with the visitors piling on the pressure. Ki Seung-yeung and Ji Dong-won both went close for South Korea but could not find a way past China goalkeeper Zeng Cheng.

South Korea has 10 points from six matches in Group A and is still on course to qualify for the World Cup in Russia. China, which last qualified for the World Cup in 2002, has five points.

Only the top two teams from the six-nation group qualify automatically. The third-place team will head to the playoffs.

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