China's men were in action against Iran in the second game of the latest phase of their bid to reach the 2018 world cup. The PRC put up a spirited performance against South Korea last Thursday and were unlucky to leave with empty handed with a 3-2 loss. But against the team ranked number 1 on the continent, they would be able to register their first point of the campaign.

The city of Shenyang is considered a happy hunting ground for the Chinese national team as it was the same place where they clinched qualification for the 2002 world cup.

In the 12th minute the hosts suffer an early blow when goal keeper Zeng Cheng picks up an injury during this collision, and he would be replaced by the inexperienced Gu Chao.
 
The Jiangsu shot stopper would see plenty of action. Iran having the better of the opening, this header going just wide keeping the scores level.

And they nearly take the lead when Sardar Azmoun is put through but can only scuff his effort wide.

China are reduced to long range shots and go close when Zhang Yuning catches one on the half volley but it misses the target. Nearly a stunning strike from the 19-year-old but it remains nil nil.

The PRC come out of the traps a bit more after the break and go close on 71 minutes. Zhang Xizhe finds Wu Lei but the SIPG forward twists himself into trouble before the visitors are able to clear their lines.

Wu is at the centre of things again 5 minutes from the end when he is denied a spot kick for this challenge. The referee is having none of it, a decision clearly not appreciated by coach Gao Hongbo.

Iran have one final effort and force a decent save from Gu but nil-nil is how it finishes, next up for China is Syria in Xi'an on October 6th.