Socceroos secure history in hard-fought victory over Vietnam

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.

WATCH: Rhyan Grant heads home his first international goal

Aaron Mooy and Aziz Behich were introduced by Arnold just before the hour mark to ensure the Socceroos kept a firm hold on the game. 

With clear-cut chances few and far between in the second half, Mitchell Duke replaced Adam Taggart to provide Australia with a different focal point up front. 

Vietnam then pushed for an equaliser, but they could not break down a resolute Socceroos defence. 

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With four minutes of regular time remaining, Australia had the ball in the back of the net once again as Duke cannoned the ball past Van Lam, but the flag was up for offside. 

The final minutes saw Australia continue to frustrate their opponents as they confirmed yet another clean sheet and a historic tenth victory in a row on the road to Qatar 2022.