DUBAI: South Korea have become the 15th nation sure of their place at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar after a 2-0 win over Syria at the Zabeel Stadium in Dubai.

The South Korean team, led by Portuguese coach Paulo Bento, had needed only a draw to qualify but won anyway with goals from Kim Jin-su (53) and Kwon Chang-hoon (71).

South Korea will thus compete at their 11th World Cup, their 10th in succession. Their best tournament was in finishing fourth as cohosts with Japan in 2002.

The Koreans followed in the steps of Iran who secured qualification last Thursday with a victory over Iraq.

The other two teams will emerge from Asian Group B featuring Saudi Arabia, Japan and Australia.

Apart from hosts Qatar, already qualified are Germany, Denmark, Belgium, France, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, England, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Brazil and Argentina had already secured their place.

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