Vietnam game a great challenge: Australian coach

"Vietnam really caused many troubles for Australia. We know that it's never easy playing on their home ground. They always play well at the My Dinh Stadium," Arnold said at the post-match press conference.

Australia are considered the strongest team in group B with an impressive winning streak. Before Vietnam, the Socceroos beat China 3-0 on September 2.

Vietnam had come into the match after a 1-3 loss to Saudi Arabia in the previous game and many key defenders were injured.

However, the Vietnamese players showed great spirit, discipline and skills to pose a stiff challenge for Australia, denying them many scoring chances. The more fancied Australian team managed to scrape a win with a header from Rhyan Grant at the end of the first half.

"I’m proud of the players. I’m satisfied because the team won another game and went home with three points. In addition, the quality of the field was not good today, so it affected our style of play," Arnold said.

With their second win, Australia are on top of group B with six points, while Vietnam is yet to open its score. The Golden Dragons will play against China and Oman next month.