TIANJIN, China — Qatar scored a 1-0 upset at China in a World Cup qualifier Saturday on Sebastian Soria's first-half penalty.

Soria converted from the spot in the 14th minute and Qatar held on for the win despite conceding the bulk of possession to a lackluster China attack.

Qatar consolidated second place in Group 1 with seven points, just behind Australia on goal difference and four points clear of China with two matches to play. The top two teams in each group advance to the final round of Asian qualifying.

Australia was to play Iraq in Dubai later Saturday.

The Chinese opened aggressively and had two early chances, with Gao Lin's close-range volley skewing wide in the first minute and Zhu Ting hitting the post in the 11th.

But Qatar took its best opportunity after Yusef Ali was pulled down in the area and Soria calmly slotted the resulting penalty.

China will likely need to win its remaining matches against Asian Cup champion Iraq and Australia to advance from the group.