World Cup qualifier: Vietnam suffer 1-0 loss to Thailand

The space left in the visitors' defensive line by midfielder Minh Chau with two yellow cards in a row gave Thailand the chance to score the only goal of the match.

Playing under the pressure of more than 50,000 Thailand fans, Vietnam's players persevered with defensive-counterattack tactics, which were effective in preventing the hosts from launching consecutive attempts.

Although dominating the ball possession, Thailand found it hard to break the solid defensive wall of the visitors. The blocked midfield made the hosts play wing and attempts at high speed from the two wings by players under Coach Kiatisak Senamuang put pressure on goalkeeper To Vinh Loi.

It seems that, at the 40th minute, if Vinh Loi did not bravely clear the ball at the feet of Samre, then certainly Thailand would have had an opener.

After the goalless first half, the second half saw fast counter attacks from Vietnam. Within ten minutes, captain striker Le Cong Vinh received long balls twice from the defensive line. However, in both situations, Thailand goalkeeper Hathairatanakul cleared the ball.

The turning point came in the 73rd minute when the Australian referee gave Vietnam's Nguyen Minh Chau a second yellow card to send him off. Earlier, Vietnam also were forced to use two substitutes due to injuries.

Chau's departure left a big hole in the midfield, and Kiatisuk's squad comfortably organised attacks.

After many missed opportunities, Pokklaw Anan finished slightly after a pass from Teerasil to bring the opener for owners of Rajamangala Stadium in the 81st minute.

Despite tireless efforts, Vietnam found it difficult to break through the Thai defence.

Vietnam will play Indonesia in their second clash, scheduled for September 3. The team will meet Thailand again in their second leg match in October in Hanoi.

(Source: Nhandan Online)