Duy Manh made an early cross from the right flank to the far post for Tien Linh to head into the box. Nguyen Hoang Duc volleyed with his left foot near the goal, sending the ball into the top right corner but goalkeeper Lokphathip had a great reflex to punch the ball away for a corner.
Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team want to take control of group F in the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, so a big win over Laos is the only goal for Vietnam in this opening match.
Laos have never participated in the Asian Cup, while Vietnam aim for a third consecutive qualification. The race to the Asian Cup officially starts now and Vietnam cannot waste any opportunity at Go Dau Stadium, Binh Duong Province.