Chinese national soccer team players react after losing a 2018 Russia World Cup qualifier 3-2 to South Korea on September 1, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

 SEOUL - China lost to South Korea 3-2 away in the final phase of Asian zone 2018 World Cup qualifying tournament here on Thursday.

South Korea took the lead in the 20th minute through Chinese defender Zheng Zhi's own goal and extended their advantage to three goals after Lee Chung-yong of Crystal Palace headed home in 62nd minute and Bundesliga player Koo Ja-cheol scored in the 66th minute with a close-range shot, which was deflected off the post into net.

Just as the match looked like a lop-sided flop for China, Gao Hongpo's side saged a spirited fight-back with Yu Hai's left-foot shot turning the scoresheet to 3-1. Hao Junmin then curled in a textbook freekick two minutes later.

"Giving us ten more minutes, we can surely score one more goal. I'm confident of a victory over South Korea on home soil," said Chinese team captain Feng Xiaoting.

Chinese head coach Gao Hongbo blamed the lack of experience for the defeat and gave credits to Chinese players' confidence as well.

"South Korea won the match thanks to their experience. To me, I'm satisfied with my players' skills and mentality," said Gao.

"South Korea can convert three goals out of four chances thanks to luck partly and experience partly. The two goals for us are not enough for we have another two good opportunities, but we failed to score more goals."

China will next play Iran at home on September 6.

"Facing next opponents Iran five days later, we need to keep our minds clear that Iran are quite powerful rivals. We need to learn from this match, especially on experience," said Gao.

"We reached the final phase of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time in 15 years, so it's not strange the players do not have enough experience and need a process to get used to this kind of match. But they impressed me with their confidence and mentality to pull two goals back despite the result of defeat."

China have a wretched record against South Korea, having won just twic against the nine-time World Cup qualifier in their previous 32 meets since 1978.

Japan's hopes of a revenge on the United Arab Emirates for last year's Asian Cup quarterfinal defeat were shattered as Vahid Halilhodzic's men crashed to a 2-1 defeat in their Group B opener.

Keisuke Honda made amends for missing his penalty in a 5-4 shootout defeat to the UAE in the Asian Cup quarters last year, when he opened the scoring with an 11th-minute header at Saitama Stadium.

But Ahmed Khalil leveled with a well-taken free kick before the striker put the visitors in front for good with a penalty kick nine minutes into the second half.

In another match in Group B, Australia were too good for Iraq, with Massimo Luongo and Tomi Juric netting to give the home team a 2-0 win.