South Korea got back to winning ways in the third round of AFC World Cup qualifying, solidifying their grip on second place in Group A with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Syria.
Hong Jeong-ho's half-volley put Korea ahead early on, but any hopes of them responding to their 1-0 defeat to China in their last qualifier with a resounding victory proved false.
Yet the visitors created plenty of opportunities, substitute Firas Al Khatib coming closest when he rattled the crossbar in second-half stoppage time.
Defeat means Syria remain a point shy of Uzbekistan, who occupy the play-off spot and host struggling Qatar later on Tuesday.
Korea, meanwhile, cemented their grip on the second automatic berth to qualify for the 2018 finals in Russia ahead of a meeting with Qatar in June.
The breakthrough came inside four minutes for Korea, Hong lashing into the bottom-right corner after Syria had failed to deal with Son Heung-min's corner.
Korea had an appeal for a penalty turned down despite Nam Tae-hee's effort from outside the box appearing to strike a Syria player on the hand.
Syria saw a penalty shout of their own ignored when Omar Kharbin had an effort blocked but they should have levelled in the 30th minute.
Korea were unable to cope with a free-kick from the left but Syria were unfortunate to see the ball fall to full-back Alaa Al Shbli, who fired narrowly over from point-blank range.
Ibrahim Almeh then had to be alert to deny Hwang Hee-chan before Nam stung the palms of the Syria goalkeeper.
But the hosts were grateful to Kwoun Sun-tae for preserving their slender lead as he kept out Al Khatib's fierce close-range effort after the substitute had gone through on goal.
Almeh raced off his line to prevent Son from latching on to a throughball and only the woodwork prevented Al Khatib from punishing Korea's profligacy and earning a point for a spirited Syria side.
