Southeast Asian archrivals Vietnam and Thailand each earned a point in their Group G opener of Asia’s second qualifying round for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a goalless draw in Bangkok on Thursday night.

The first half ended with only a few clear chances from both sides and no goals scored.

The pace of the match was much more intense in the second half, particularly in the last ten minutes, but both teams failed to find the back of the net.

Vietnamese goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, who now plays for Thailand’s Muangthong United, had a great night being a dependable and consistent shot blocker between the posts. 

The goallie pulled off many good saves throughout the match, especially when he kept out a shot from Supachok in the very last seconds of the game, saving Vietnam from a last-minute defeat.

A draw matches up with the performances from both sides, and is considered an acceptable outcome for Vietnam, who had to see the hosts control most of the latter part of the match.

During the second round of the Asian section of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, six first round winners and 34 teams, ranking 1st to 34th in Asia, are divided into eight groups of five teams to play home-and-away round-robin matches.

Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the UAE share Group G.

The Golden Stars won’t have to play the second group stage game, and will take on Malaysia in Hanoi in the third round match next month.

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