Vietnam labour a draw to Thailand at World Cup 2022 qualifiers

Nishino opted to start the match without the pure striker he had named in his 23-man national squad, leaving Supachai Chaided on the bench.

However, the veteran Japanese coach handed a debut to defensive midfielder Phitiwat Sookjitthammakul.

Supachai's absence in the attack had no impact on the home team's performance as the Thais looked far more surefooted than the visitors at the slippery Thammasat Stadium pitch.

Thailand's crafty playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin was a victim of numerous pulls and shoves during the goalless first half during which the War Elephants missed a couple of scoring chances.

Sprightly Supachok Sarachat and J-League-based Thitiphan Puangjan caused trouble for Vietnam defenders with Tristan Do feeding them well off the right wing.

The Vietnamese mainly relied on counter-attacks but most of their forays ran into a strong wall of Thai defenders. Nishino, in a bid to add more bite to the attack, replaced defensive midfielder Sarach Yooyen with Supachai soon after the hour mark and was forced to send in Peeradol Chamrasmee 15 minutes later when Thitiphan picked up a leg injury.

Vietnam recorded a dramatic improvement in the second half and were able to match the hosts in every department of the game.

The two sides traded attacks, which yielded no goals as the exciting tussle ended in a goalless stalemate but only after Vietnam coach Park Hang-Seo was handed a yellow-card warning.

Main developments

90'+4: The second half ended

Vietnam 0 - 0 Thailand

81' Chance for Thailand

Dang Van Lam's quick save against Pansa's header

74' Chance for Vietnam

Nguyen Van Toan breaks free on the right and crosses the ball in which is almost met by Nguyen Cong Phuong in the middle.

73' Thitipan picks up an injury and subbed by Peeradol

68' Thailand field their lone striker Supachai Jaded

65' Vietnam's second substitution

Vu Van Thanh comes on to replace Nguyen Trong Hoang

51' Chance for Thailand

Thitipan fires a shot from a tight angle which is punched back out by Dang Van Lam.

45' +1: First half ended

Thailand 0 - 0 Vietnam

37' A slight break

A light stoppage  was made as Sarach receives treatment on the pitch.

34' Chance for Thailand

Thitipan run into the box but delivers it just inches too high to meet the attackers' header

26' Free kick for Thailand

20' Thailand chance

Sarach Yooyen curls a cross directly at the head of Thitipan yet Dang Van Lam  gets in front of  Thitipan to avert the danger.

18' First corner kick for Vietnam

Nguyen Quang Hai find Van Toan inside the box yet Tristan Do robs the ball to concede the corner

12' Scare for Thailand

Thailand defender Manuel losses posession to Vietnam forward but his teammate helps him out to avoid any damage.

9' Free kick for Thailand

Que Ngoc Hai fouls Thitipan and Thailand have a free kick.

5' Thailand probing

1' Chance for Vietnam

Vietnam had a very clear chance as Van Toan gets behind Thailand defence latching onto a clearance from Vietnam defence and fires a shot across the goal!