China narrowly beat Pakistan 1-0 on Monday to join Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in clinching a place in the Asian Games men's football knockout round. Chang Feiya took the ball to the Pakistan by-line, cut in and fired home from two metres (six feet) in the 20th minute of a frustrating game in which Pakistan had more shots and possession. China started the day bottom of the three-team Group F and needing a win to clinch the second qualifying place behind unbeaten North Korea.
In Group B, Vikor Shodiev scored twice as Uzbekistan beat Afghanistan 5-0 to claim top place, while all the goals came in the second half as Hong Kong beat Bangladesh 2-1 to get the second qualifying spot. Thailand hammered Indonesia 6-0 - with Adisak Krasorn scoring two - to overtake their opponents and take first place in Group E. Indonesia still went through in second place.
Jordan beat India 2-0 to make sure they got first place in the three-team Group G, ahead of United Arab Emirates. Vietnam beat Kyrgzystan 1-0 to extend their lead at the top of Group H. The Maldives, whose teams have taken a battering in all sports at the Asian Games, came from behind to claim their first win 3-2 over East Timor in Group E. Neither side go through, however. The men's football has a one-day rest Tuesday before the second round starts.