China beat North Korea 2-0 in the men's East Asian Cup in Wuhan Wednesday, a much-needed win after the home team were criticised for "lack of fighting spirit" earlier this week.

After China lost to South Korea in the first match, coach Alain Perrin made a number of changes to the line-up, local media reported, and heralded this for Wednesday's success.

"It's a good thing to take the victory, I am satisfied with the tactics. We found the new energy through rotating the team," state news agency Xinhua quoted Perrin as saying.

Goals were scored by Yu Dabao and Wang Yongpo in Wednesday's match, with goalkeeper Zeng Cheng successfully blocking a shot by North Korea's Ri Chol-Myong.

"We are a united and brave team, so we can face the next match under pressure," Perrin said.

China are now scheduled to face off against Japan on Sunday.
Source: AFP