Son scores 50th int'l goal as S.Korea beat Kuwait

Associated Press Melbourne: Son Heung-min scored his 50th international goal as South Korea beat Kuwait 3-1 to take a big step toward an 11th successive World Cup appearance. The Tottenham forward converted a penalty to make it 2-0 in the 19th minute on Thursday and help South Korea earn a fourth successive win in Group B of Asia's World Cup qualifiers to move five points clear at the top with five games to go.

Oh Se-hun headed in South Korea's opener in the 10th minute and Son, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, extended the advantage after being fouled in the area. Mohammed Daham pulled a goal back with a spectacular strike with 30 minutes remaining but Bae Jun-ho sealed the win for the visitors. "(Son is) such an important part of our team," South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said. "He just came back after being hobbled by injury." Jordan and Iraq stayed in second and third place on eight points after drawing 0-0 in Basra while Oman is now two points behind after defeating the Palestinian team 1-0.

In Group A, Iran defeated North Korea 3-2 in Laos to move onto 13 points, three clear of Uzbekistan which lost 3-2 at Qatar. The 2022 World Cup host stayed in fourth with seven points, level with the United Arab Emirates which defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-0. In Group C, Australia and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 in Melbourne after the visitors had a late goal disallowed when Sultan Al-Ghannam's low shot from just inside the area was ruled out for offside, denying a win win for Herve Renard, the second-time Saudi coach who replaced Roberto Mancini last month. "I have to see it once again to be sure that they made the best decision," Renard told reporters. "So I will not comment about this." Australia was initially awarded a penalty after 12 minutes when Mitch Duke went down under a challenge from Saudi goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar but VAR ruled the foul was outside the area. Saudi Arabia, like Australia aiming for a seventh World Cup appearance, went closest with a shot from Nasser Al-Dawsari forcing a save from Joe Gauci at the near post. There were fewer opportunities in the second half, the best falling to Australia six minutes from the end.