China's hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup Finals took another massive nosedive last night, after they lost 2-0 to Uzbekistan in Tashkent through goals by Marat Bikmaev (50th minute) and Otabek Shukurov (85th).

China remain fifth in the six-team Group A in the final round of World Cup qualifying for the Asia zone, with just one point from four matches. Uzbekistan have nine points. Iran and South Korea were both on seven points from three games before they clashed yesterday.

Only the top two teams are guaranteed entry to Russia 2018, while the third-placed side face a play-off.