DOHA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- China qualified for the knock-out stage after beating Oman in a bad-tempered soccer match at the Doha Asian Games on Wednesday.
Oman, whose only chance to qualify for the last eight was a big victory over China, gained the upper hand after the opening of the match.
China's defense was in chaos at 28th minute under pressure and was punished with a penalty after Oman midfielder Al Mukhaini was downed by Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei in the box.
Ahmed converted the penalty, giving Oman 1-0 lead over China.
China launched a counterattack at the 42nd minute and striker Gao Lin equalized with a beautiful header.
But the match became violent and out of control at the end of the first half. Oman midfielder Bait Doorbeen Fawzi was expelled for striking Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei in the face.
The two sides exchanged words after the whistle and another Oman player got a red card after knocking down Chinese midfielder Chen Tao.
After the interval, China gained an absolute advantage over nine-man Oman. Chinese captain Zheng Zhi sealed the victory after scoring a penalty at the 55th minute. Zheng missed a spot kick later.
Earlier in the day, Japan was shut out of the knock-out stage after losing 2-1 to DPR Korea, who qualified for the last eight.
DPR Korea took a lead four minutes into the match with a brilliant free kick by captain Hong Yong Jo. The Japanese side equalized four minutes later with a header by Ichiyanagi Yugo.
After the break, DPR Korean midfielder Kim Yong Jun sealed the victory with a stunning free kick at the 63rd minute.
The Japanese side launched a string of attacks but made few shots on goal while facing a well-organized defense.
In Wednesday's other matches, Iran and Iraq also qualified after defeating India and Thailand 2-0 and 4-0 respectively; Hong Kong edged Maldive 1-0; Syria beat Pakistan 2-0.
China, together with South Korea, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Qatar, DPR Korea, Iran and Iraq will compete in the quarter-finals.
