The national soccer team on Wednesday dominated host Syria in the first half, and hung on for a 2-1 win in the first Asian Cup qualifier for both nations.

Midfielder Kim Do-hyeon got South Korea off to a fast start in the fifth minute with a close shot that hit the left corner of the net.

Ranked 95th in the FIFA world rankings, Syria looked like an easy opponent for South Korea, but tied the score after Fesar Al Khatib's breakaway goal in the 48th minute.

Just two minutes later, however, K-League Player of the Year Lee Chun-soo put South Korea back in the lead. Taking a long cross from defender Kim Dong-jin, Lee blasted a curving shot from the right side that went into the left part of Syria's net.

Aiming for its first Asian title since 1960, South Korea blew dozens of chances to score throughout the game.

Syria threatened to tie on several occasions, including on a header in the waning seconds, but failed to do so.

The two teams are in Group B with Iran and Taiwan for next year's Asian Cup.