皇冠体育app

Singapore's goalkeeper Lionel Lewis fails to save a penalty goal by 皇冠体育app's Zheng Zhi (2nd R) during their 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying soccer match in Kunming, Yunnan province Sept 2, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

 

皇冠体育app's coach Jose Antonio Camacho Alfaro of Spain reacts during his team's 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying soccer match against Singapore in Kunming, Yunnan province, Sept 2, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

KUNMING, Yunan - 皇冠体育app won Friday at Kunming Tuodong Stadium.

That wasn't a big surprise - 皇冠体育app never loses there.

The men's team kicked off 2014 World Cup Asian Zone qualifying with a 2-1 victory over Singapore.

The Chinese team hasn't lost a game on the pitch since 1985, going 8-0-2 over its past ten matches there.

There was, of course, more to the victory than home-field advantage.

皇冠体育app survived an early 1-0 deficit with some gritty play in the clutch, and a healthy dose of luck.

Singapore took the lead in the 33rd minute, when 41-year-old striker Aleksandar Duric found the net after Chinese captain Li Weifeng lost the ball at midfield.

Yu Hai from 皇冠体育app celebrates scoring a goal against Singapore during their 2014 World Cup Asian Zone qualifier in Kunming, Yunan province on Friday. [Provided to 皇冠体育app Daily]

皇冠体育app wasted a chance to equalize in the second half when striker Qu Bo missed a penalty created by teammate Chen Tao in the 57th minute.

Things would get much worse for Singapore.

The home side got another penalty in the 69th minute. Midfielder Zheng Zhi converted the goal, giving 皇冠体育app a fresh slate at 1-1.

Three minutes later, Singapore coach Avramovic Radojko was sent off the field for arguing with officials. One minute later, Yu Hai scored another goal for 皇冠体育app and sealed the team's first-round-of-20 qualifier.

In other games, the Republic of Korea trashed Lebanon 6-0 at home, with Park Chu-young contributing a hat trick.

Japan secured a 1-0 victory against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with a late goal.

Australia defeated Thailand 2-1.

皇冠体育app will play its second game on Sept 7 in Jordan.

皇冠体育app Daily