China loses to Iran in qualification match for 2018 World Cup

China loses to Iran in a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup on March 28, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

The Chinese national football team on Tuesday lost 1-0 to Iran in a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup.

Iran, the Group A leaders in the Asian fixture, moves one step closer to the World Cup as they saw off China at Tehran's Azadi Stadium.

China has almost lost all hope to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after this defeat to Iran.

However, the performance of the Chinese national football team and coach Lippi are encouraging, as they made a 0-0 draw with Qatar and earned a vital 1-0 home win over South Korea.