Vietnam’s player Vu Van Thanh (no. 17) in action during the Group B World Cup Asian Qualifying match against hosts Australia in Melbourne on January 27, 2022. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)   

NDO – Vietnam are still without any points after 7 consecutive matches in Group B at World Cup Asian Qualifiers, following their 4-0 defeat to hosts Australia in Melbourne on January 27.

The guests were looking for their first points in the final qualifying round after six consecutive losses, while Socceroos needed a win in a hope for one of the two automatic spots in Qatar.

Thanks to their home advantage, Australia showed their class and dominated from the beginning of the match.

Jamie Maclaren opened the scoring after 30 minutes before the impressive Tom Rogic added a second on the stroke of half-time.

The second half showed a flourish in the playstyle of Vietnam, as coach Park Hang-seo’s side switched to a high pressing.

Six minutes after the restart, Vietnam’s new captain Do Hung Dung delivered the ball to striker Pham Tuan Hai, but the latter fired wide from just inside the box.

The Golden Star Warriors came close in the 62nd minute when Nguyen Phong Hong Duy passed the ball for Nguyen Cong Phuong in the box. However, the striker’s finish hit goalkeeper Mat Ryan’s shoulder and flew over the crossbar.

Defender Nguyen Thanh Chung later had the opportunity to score, but his header in the six-yard box again inches over the crossbar.

Australia show their class as the hosts trounce visitors Vietnam 4-0. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

In the 72nd minute, the hosts’ substitute Craig Goodwin made sure of the three points as he broke into the box and then beat keeper Bui Tan Truong for Australia’s third goal.

Another substitute got his name on the scoreboard just four minutes later when Riley McGree drilled the ball into the bottom corner to round off the comfortable 4-0 victory for the Socceroos.

Photo: Asian Football Confederation

In other match the same day, Japan beat China 2-0 to consolidate their second place in Group B with 15 point after 7 games, 1 point behind group leaders Saudi Arabia who have 1 game in hand. Saudi Arabia will play fourth-placed Oman later today.

Australia are in third place with 15 points after 7 games, while Vietnam are still at the bottom without any points. Park’s side officially ended their dreams of winning a ticket to the World Cup finals later this year.

In the next matchday, Vietnam will host China in Hanoi on February 1 with an aim for at least 1 point.

TRUNG HUNG