International friendly: China 2 North Korea 0

China extended its unbeaten run since the Asian Cup to five matches with a 2-0 defeat of North Korea in an international friendly.

With the start of World Cup qualifying only a month away, Wednesday’s match in Guizhou was a chance for both sides to fine tune their preparations.

But it was China who will take the most positives out of the match after two goals in the space of three minutes in the shadows of half time gave them a comfortable victory.

Midfielder Deng Zhuoxiang broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, latching on to a cross from Gao Lin to stroke the ball past North Korean goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk.

Three minutes later it was striker Gao’s turn to get his name on the scoresheet, nodding home a Yu Hai cross to double China’s lead.

North Korea, who have automatic entry into the third round of World cup qualifying, failed to stretch the Chinese defence in the second half, with striker Jong Il Gwan’s shot into the cross bar the only danger posed by the visitors.

China begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against either Cambodia or Laos on July 23.