World Cup qualifiers: Vietnam retains Group G’s top spot after goalless tie against Thailand

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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. Photo: vnexpress.net

Vietnam entered the game in their traditional red jerseys and Thailand in blue. Vietnamese players were all offensive on the start with many opportunities in front of Thailand’s goal, but none was able to put the ball into the back of the net.

In the 27^th minute, Thailand got a penalty after Doan Van Hau appeared to foul a Thai player in the box. However, Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam saved a penalty to help Vietnam play out a goalless draw against Thailand.

The match became very eventful in the last five minutes. In the 31^st minute, Vietnam were denied a goal, 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.

In the 39^th minute, Van Toan returned the ball to Quang Hai, whose shot deflected off a Thai player.

In the 45^th minute, Narubadin Weerawatnodom went for the far corner, but the shot was off target.

Tien Dung heads past the Thai goalkeeper, but his goal is disallowed. Photo: vnexpress.net

Coming back to the second half, Vietnam were awarded a freekick in the 50^th minute after Quang Hai was fouled 25 metres away from the goal.

Vietnam put the ball in the net again in the 51^st minute but Doan Van Hau was flagged offside. The home team received another freekick in the 70^th minute after Trong Hoang was fouled by a Thai player near the box.

In the 78^th minute, Dang Van Lam made another brilliant save, punching the ball out of the box. Doan Van Hau later lied down to clear a close tap-in from Thailand. Vietnam's goalkeeper continued to punch away two consecutive corners from Thailand.

The second half went on with two additional minutes with no goal scored.

Vietnam and Thailand had a nil-nil draw in the first leg of their World Cup qualifiers in Bangkok in September. Vietnam retained the first place of Group G with 11 points after three wins and two draws./.