(Source: CGTN)

A sporting rivalry steeped in history and a must-win game for one of the sides. It was a recipe for a must-watch game between China and South Korea in the campaign to qualify for next year's World Cup.

This was a game China couldn't afford to lose against South Korea. Bottom of their World Cup qualifying group going into this tie, Team Dragon also had national pride at stake.

And on 34 minutes, the vital breakthrough: Yu Dabao heading home the game's only goal. China had conceded six goals in their last five games before this one.

China's Yu Dabao (L) celebrates his goal with Wang Yongpo during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualification match against South Korea in Changsha, central China's Hunan province, March 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Kong Hui)

This time China goalkeeper Zeng Cheng kept a clean sheet with several saves in the second half.
 
"Our dream is to stand on the world stage at the World Cup. Our performance has proved we should never give up," Zeng said.

To do that China will have to maintain this form to stand any chance of qualifying for the World Cup Finals in Russia next year especially with top of the table Iran their next encounter.