China has only a theoretical possibility to reach the FIFA World Cup in Qatar after losing to Japan 2-0 in Saitama Stadium on Thursday.

With five points from seven games, China ranks fifth in Group B with five points, 10 points behind second-placed Japan and nine less than Australia, who beat Vietnam 4-0 in an earlier match.

The top two teams in the group qualify directly for the Qatar World Cup finals, with the winner between the third finishers from the two groups entering an intercontinental playoff.

China can only secure a third place in Group B by winning the last three games by a big margin and expecting Australia to lose all three at the same time.

Australia will take on Oman, Japan and group leader Saudi Arabia while China face Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

China, managed by newly-appointed coach Li Xiaopeng, was outperformed by the host in every respect. They had just 37 percent of possession during the game and failed to make a single shot on target.

Japan's advantage was far more impressive than the scoreline has suggested. They had 11 corner kicks and 16 shots, with six of them on target.

Forward Yuya Osako scored from the penalty spot to give Japan a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute after Junya Ito's cross hit the arm of China defender Wang Shenchao.

Japan doubled the lead in the 61st minute when Ito rose high in the box to head home substitute Yuta Nakayama's cross from the left.

"The result is not a surprise to us," the Chinese coach Li said. "I am sorry to lose this match. Every player has tried their best. I take all responsibility for the defeat. We played very defensively in the first half but the penalty kick is very unlucky." ■

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