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"For the most part – and certainly before the goal – Vietnam was coping well as the Socceroos were unable to find the intricate pass or final ball that could pick a way through," Melbourne based newspaper The Age wrote.
"Australia kept their shape and controlled possession but could not find an incisive pass to break open the hosts’ resolute rearguard, while Vietnam buzzed and worked hard as they tried to find the equalizer, causing some nervous moments for the visitors," it said.
In the World Cup qualifying game with Australia on Tuesday night, Vietnam put up a great fight despite being considered much weaker. The Socceroos were struggling to find the net throughout the match, as they could only score from their only shot on target via Rhyan Grant’s header to win 1-0.
"The Socceroos were increasingly frustrated by the defensive set-up of the Vietnamese, who got men behind the ball – often the entire team – and were well-organized and disciplined as they looked to keep a clean sheet and build from there. For all of their possession, Australia struggled to find a way through the red shirts as they fell back," wrote The Sydney Morning Herald.
Australia had dominated the ball and played most of the game in Vietnam’s half. Statistics showed the Socceroos had enjoyed 70 percent possession.
News site The Australian wrote: "The Vietnamese were no pushovers, providing the Socceroos with a much tougher test than they encountered in last Friday’s 3-0 win over a disappointing China in Doha. It took 43 minutes for the Socceroos to break down the hosts’ resistance."
World Cup qualifiers: Vietnam 0-1 Australia
