Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam saved a penalty to help Vietnam play out a goalless draw against Thailand on matchday six of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers round two in Hanoi on November 19.
Despite their ball possession, Vietnam could not convert any of their opportunities into a goal and should have trailed behind in the 28th minute, but goalie Van Lam made a brilliant save, getting down to use his left foot to push away Thailand’s shot.
Vietnam were denied a goal three minutes later, as Tien Dung headed past the Thai goalkeeper, but his goal was disallowed as the referee decided that Doan Van Hau had fouled the goalkeeper.
Tien Dung heads past the Thai goalkeeper, but his goal is disallowed. (Photo: vnexpress.net)
Narubadin missed a chance to gift Thailand an opener before halftime with a strike towards the right side of the net.
Five minutes into the second half, Vietnam were denied a goal for the second time, with Van Hau heading the ball to Tien Linh to shoot past keeper Kawin Thamsatchanan, but the goal was disallowed again as Van Hau was ruled offside.
Van Toan came close to opening the scoring for Vietnam in the next two minutes with a volley over the crossbar.
Vietnamese forward Van Toan (R) in action during the match. (Photo: Tran Hai)
With time running out, Keeper Van Lam rescued Vietnam twice by blocking Phitiwat’s left-footed strike in the 78th minute before saving Theerathon’s annoying corner-kick five minute later.
Despite the goalless draw, Vietnam remained on top of Group G with 11 points, three clear of third-placed Thailand and two above second-placed Malaysia, who crushed Indonesia with two unanswered goals on the same day.
Next up for Vietnam will be an away clash against Malaysia on March 31, 2020, while Thailand will host Indonesia on March 26.
Group G standings after matchday six of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Source: NDO