Late Zhang winner reignites China's World Cup dream, Saudis hold Australia

China's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002 were revived on Thursday when Zhang Yuning's late goal earned a 1-1 draw against Oman in Group B of Asia's qualifying competition.

Zhang struck in the 75th minute to cancel out Mohsin Al-Khaldi's first-half header and lift China, coached by former Italy and Chelsea manager Marcello Lippi, to second place in the group behind Saudi Arabia.

The top two teams in each of Asia's two qualifying groups advance to the next phase, with the group winners earning a place in Qatar in 2022 and the runners-up going into a playoff.

China, who have appeared at the World Cup only once before, in 2002, are level on points with Oman but have a superior goal difference.

Australia, who had been held to a 1-1 draw by China in their opening game, slipped to third place in the group after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.

The Saudis, who reached the last World Cup in Russia, have a one-point lead over China and Oman and host the Chinese in their next match on Tuesday.

Australia, who are coached by former Manchester United midfielder Graham Arnold, are now two points behind the Saudis and face Oman in their next game.

In other qualifying matches on Thursday, Iran maintained their perfect start to Group C with a 1-0 win over Iraq in Tehran, while Japan beat Myanmar 2-0 in Group F.

South Korea, who are also in Group F, were held to a 0-0 draw by Lebanon in Beirut.

The top two teams in each group advance to the next phase, with the group winners earning a place in Qatar in 2022 and the runners-up going into a playoff.