"Players have been misled by the one-sided wins in the previous games at the qualifiers, but the result proved that they are wrong," the Italian added.

Brazilian-born Ai Kesen joined La Liga side Espanyol striker Wu Lei in the start list with Yang Xu, but they are all of the visitors' strikers, Wei Shihao and Yang Liyu cut from the 23-man squad announced by Lippi few hours before the game kicks off.

"We pick nationals from the playing condition, not the position," said Lippi, stressing that he does not think cutting the strikers out is not acceptable.

The Philippines also had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock with two minutes left in injury time, but Schrock's attempt went high and wide.

With the win, the hosts secured their first point against China in three matches this year.

"We're gonna be moving forward, we're gonna be competing at the top Asian level, and today's result has shown that we can do that," said Scoot Cooper, the assistant coach to the Philippines.

The hosts now sit at the third place in Group with one win, one draw and one defeat, while China is still unbeaten with two wins and one draw.

The Team Dragon will next play against Syria, the main rival in Group A, on Nov.14 in an away match. While the Philippines will also fly to Male for the bout with the Maldives.

A total of 40 teams will play across eight groups in the second round of the qualifiers. Eight group winners and the four best runners-up will qualify for the next round.

【体坛英语资讯：Philippines holds China to draw at FIFA World Cup qualifier】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt expecting twins

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Collins wont face charges in death

★ 体坛英语资讯：Llodra beats Soderling to win Rotterdam tennis title

★ 体坛英语资讯：Zenit lift UEFA Cup in historical glory

★ 体坛英语资讯：WR holder Du expects improvement in three positions

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears agreed to visit her kids

★ 体坛英语资讯：Sharapova rescues Russia, Davenport upstaged

★ 体坛英语资讯：Russias historic win over England makes Hiddink proud

★ 体坛资讯：Iraqi fans stock up on petrol and ammunition

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Gloves making a comeback as alternative accessory to brag bag