In the fourth round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying in Asia, China desperately needed its first win in Group A Tuesday night, when the team traveled to face Uzbekistan.

Azizbek Khaydarov (L) of Uzbekistan fights for the ball with Zhang Chengdong of China during their FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying match in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 11, 2016. Uzbekistan won 2-0. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Syria at home, China could not afford another set back as it came into the match in fifth place and only the top two teams in the pool get automatic qualification to Russia.

China had just one point from their three previous games and needed Yang Zhi to makes a fantastic kick save from Igor Sergeev’s shot in the 31st minute, denying his Beijing Guoan teammate.

China was unable to muster a single shot on goal in a scoreless first half. And in the 50th minute, Marat Bikmaev put the Uzbeks 1-0 ahead. They punished Du Wei for a poor clearance, with Marat Bikmaev drilling the ball into the bottom corner in the 50th minute.

China’s defence crumbled after that, and Uzbekistan fired two shots off the crossbar in the next 10 minutes while China struggled to find its formation.

China changed 4-2-3-1 set up, but it did not help. And when Otabek Shukurov’s shot took a deflection off Zhang Chengdong before finding the net, Uzbekistan led 2-0. Unlucky for China, but a fair result after sustained Uzbek pressure.

Uzbekistan win in thoroughly dominant fashion with 16 shots to China’s two. Next up for Uzbekistan is South Korea in November while China will take on Qatar on home soil.

Making matters worse for the reeling Chinese, coach Gao Hongbo suddenly announced his resignation in the post-match press conference.

Gao said,”Last night I had a conversation with the officials from the CFA, they think the head coach should take major responsibility for the current Chinese team’s problems.

“I fully understand, so after the match I resigned. I thank everyone who supported me, and thank all the fans. I wish the team can improve in the future, but I will leave now because of my poor health.”

In other Group A matches, Iran remained unbeaten after defeating South Korea 1-0, while Qatar got its first win, beating Syria 1-0.