Match Report
The Socceroos continued their winning start to Round 3 of FIFA World Cup qualifying, as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Vietnam.
In hot and humid 29 degree conditions in Hanoi, Australia capitalised on their almost 70% possession to defeat Vietnam on Tuesday night (AEST).
A first international goal from Rhyan Grant provided Graham Arnold’s side with a record tenth victory in a row.
Australia bossed possession in the opening stages of the match but their good work was almost undone when Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai lofted the first shot of the night over the bar.
Just minutes later, the Socceroos had the ball in the back of the net, but the linesman’s flag was raised because the cross rolled out of play before it was poked home from a goalmouth scramble.
After a lengthy VAR check for a possible Grant handball in the area on the half-hour mark, Australia was able to breathe a sigh of relief as the referee signalled to play on.
While Grant almost gave up a penalty at one end, the Socceroos right-back was perfectly positioned to header Ajdin Hrustic’s looping cross into the back of the net and hand Australia the advantage two minutes before half time.
A tense start to the second half saw the Socceroos have to cope with Vietnam’s advances after they began the brighter of the two sides as they looked to level the score.
