South Korea's national men's football team got the better of the visiting Chinese squad with a 3-2 victory in their opening qualification match for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Thursday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

South Korea survived a late scare after China scored back-to-back goals. The Taegeuk Warriors were leading throughout the match with a comfortable 3-0 lead when the Dragons staged a gallant run.

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"In the last 15 to 20 minutes, it was frustrating to let China back into the game through our mistakes," the South Korean team's head coach Uli Stielike stated, according to China.org.

"The first goal came because of our mistake and then the second goal damaged us mentally for awhile but the important point is that we won a tough first game. We have to play well for 90 minutes and not just 70 minutes," the veteran German football tactician added.

The host went 1-0 ahead in the match after Chinese captain Zheng Zhi unintentionally put the ball into his team's net in the 21^st minute of the first half.

The South Koreans, who are the 2015 East Asian Football Championship winners, doubled their lead in the 64th minute when winger Lee Chungyong headed home a cross from Ji Dongwon. The Korean team made it 3-0 only two minutes later as midfielder Koo Jacheol netted a goal from close range.

China's Yu Hai scored a goal to pull one back for the Asian giant in the 74th minute before teammate Hao Junmin curled in a freekick in the 76th minute.

According to Xinhua, China will play Iran next at home on September 6.

TagsSouth Korea, china, FIFA World Cup, FIFA World rankings, Premier League, Chinese Super League