China beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in their final group match at the U23 Asian Cup on Monday, exiting the tournament with one win and two losses.
Having already lost the chance of progressing from the group after losing to Japan and South Korea, China head coach Cheng Yaodong only made one change to his starting lineup from the last match, with Li Hao replacing Huang Zihao in goal.
Xie Wenneng scored China's first goal of the tournament in the 24th minute when he collected a loose ball inside the box after a corner and volleyed home.
China's second goal came courtesy of a mistake from the UAE defenders, as Liu Zhurun stole the ball and sent it into an empty net just before halftime.
The UAE pulled one back through Ahmed Fawzi three minutes into the second half, but they couldn't find an equalizer as Li made multiple saves.
In Group B's other match, South Korea edged Japan 1-0 to top the group, while Japan also qualified for the knockout stage after finishing second.
The remaining eight qualified teams will compete for three direct tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, while the fourth-placed team will face Guinea in a play-off for the last Olympic spot.
Olympic track uniforms spark online debate about who designed them and why they're so skimpy
Richarlison doubles for Brazil, controversial penalty helps Ronaldo make history
Chasing perfection in Paris preparations
Paris 2024 Olympics to feature 10,000 torchbearers
U.S. transportation authority report finds missing bolts in Boeing door plug blowout
Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
Counting down to Chengdu Universiade: venues with Sichuan flavor
Swiss snowboarders expect Beijing 2022 to be safe and great
Coronel has 3 saves, first shutout of season, Red Bulls and Fire tie 0
Revitalized Lyu back with a bang
Lawsuits, protests call on U.S. gov't to halt support for Israel
Surfers converge on Hainan for championships