China beats Syria 3-0 in men's U23 soccer in Asiad

China's Wei Shihao, right, battles for the Syria's Mohammad Almarmour, center, during their men's soccer match between China and Syria at the 18th Asian Games at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, Thursday, August 16, 2018. [Photo: Imagine China]

China beats Syria 3-0 in the men's soccer second round competition of the Jakarta Asian Games at SL Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung on Thursday.

With the goals from Wei Shihao, Zhang Yuning and Chen Binbin, China has won two games to lock the group's right to qualify in advance.

In the first round of the group match, China beat East Timor 6-0 while Syria defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 1-0.

Against Syria, the Chinese team coach Maddaloni adopted the "4-3-3" formation with Zhang, Wei and Chen forming the frontline, and the trio have scored goals apiece.

After 20 minutes, the Chinese team continued to attack the opponents' defense through rapid advancing of Wei and Chen, and gradually took the initiative. In the 35th minute, Chen took advantage of his speed and shot a high-quality long-range shot, which was saved by the Syrian goalkeeper.

Wei scored the opener in the 40th minute before Zhang added it to two at the end of the first half, and Chen sealed the match in the 66th minute.

In another match of the group, the UAE defeated East Timor 4-1 to share the second place with Syria, who will take on East Timor in its last group match.