|
ABU DHABI, Jan. 11-- China qualified for the knockout phase of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 on Friday as they crushed Philippines 3-0, while Australia earned three crucial points with a 3-0 win over Palestine in their Group B clash at Rashid Stadium. Wu Lei scored the first two goals for China, followed by a late strike from substitute Yu Dabao. The Philippines, following their second successive group stage defeat, now need a win in their final match against Kyrgyzstan to remain in contention for a place in the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers. Rarely given a moment to settle by their tenacious opponents, China initially struggled to fully impose themselves on the game. China went ahead on 40 minutes when Wu Lei received Hao Junmin's pass and finished with aplomb from 12 yards. In the final moments of the first half, China custodian Yan Junling produced a fine save to deny Kevin Ingreso and maintain his side's advantage. China were quickly into their stride after the break, as Wu Lei, the Shanghai SIPG star, bagged his second of the game with a consummate finish from Hao's 66th minute free-kick. Yu Dabao added a third and sealed the win in the 80th minute when he made the most of hesitant Philippines defending from a corner to head home just 19 seconds after coming on a substitute. China are set to complete their group stage campaign against South Korea on Wednesday. | 
