Asian Qualifier FIFA World Cup 2022: Vietnam – Australia: 0-1

Vietnam went into the game looking to bounce back from their opening-day defeat to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, while the Socceroos were aiming to continue their perfect start after beginning with a win over China PR.

Australia controlled the possession from the off but it was the hosts who had the first chance of note in the seventh minute when Nguyen Hoang Duc burst through the middle before feeding Phan Van Duc, whose heavy touch fell to Nguyen Quang Hai only for the playmaker to slice well wide from inside the box.

The visitors could have fortuitously taken the lead midway through the first half when Ajdin Hrustic’s deep free-kick into the box struck the knee of Trent Sainsbury 12 yards out before sailing past Dang Van Lam’s right post.

But Australia did go in front three minutes before the interval and, unsurprisingly, the goal was created by the left foot of Hrustic. The midfielder’s dangerously whipped-in ball bounced up for Grant at the back post and the Sydney FC defender made no mistake in placing his controlled header beyond Van Lam for his first goal for his country.

Head coach Park Hang-seo came out with greater intent after the restart and Van Duc called Mat Ryan into action on the hour when his low effort from distance forced the Australia goalkeeper to get down to his left to save.

The Golden Stars had another half chance with 13 minutes remaining when substitute Ha Duc Chinh’s glancing header from Pham Duc Huy’s corner from the left hit the side netting.

Australia then thought they had wrapped up proceedings four minutes from time but substitute Mitchell Duke saw his effort ruled out for offside, before Duc Chinh went close in the dying seconds as the Socceroos held on.

The two sides will return to action on October 7 when Vietnam face China PR and Australia take on Oman in their Matchday Three fixtures.