China fought out a 0-0 draw with an under-strength Australian side to get their second point at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers in Kunming on Wednesday.
Cottbus midfielder Shao Jiayi squandered a golden penalty earned by striker Qu Bo in the 88th minute, when he sidefooted the ball to the middle of the net to be parried by a diving Mark Schwarzer.
China boss Petrovic Vladimir brought on Shao Jiayi and Qu Bo in the second half, hoping to break the stalemate. Qu Bo won the chance with his outstanding pace, forcing keeper Mark Schwarzer to foul in the area, but his effort was finally wasted.
China took one point from Asian Cup holders Iraq in the opening game in Dubai, and now sit at the second place of Group A with two points. Australia, who trounced Qatar 3-0 in their last match now topped the group with four points. Iraq will play Qatar later this evening.
The Socceroos have a list of injured players like Tim Carhill, Brett Emerton, Josh Kennedy, Scott McDonald, and Mile Sterjovski, and Liverpool's Harry Kewell. Australia coach Pim Verbeek had to do without those major attacking players.
Vladimir fielded a 442 attacking formation, putting Charlton playmaker Zheng Zhi behind spearhead Han Peng, while filled the two flanks with speedy youngsters Jiang Ning and Zhu Ting. The hosts took the upper hand in the first half before some 32,000 zealous fans with some direct long balls.
However, it was Australia who created the real chance. Brett Holman, who came on to take place of injured forward Archie Thompson, raced into the box and squared a clinical pass to pick a lively Mark Bresciano, only to find the latter's shot saved by a desperate keeper Zong Lei on 26 minutes.
China's captain Zheng Zhi had some nice performance in the first 45 minutes, threatening the rivals from time to time with his accurate passes.
The game rushed to higher tempo from the beginning of the second half, featuring quick forays. Both teams left broader room in the midfield, but finally both sides failed to score.
(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)