VN earned one point after a goalless draw with Syria in their group D second leg but it didn’t raise their hopes of qualifying for the final round of the Asian Cup.

Viet Nam (white) earned one point after a goalless draw with Syria in their group D second leg on November 18. (Photo: VNN)

Needing three points against Syria, coach Da Silva Calisto Henrique let Thanh Luong, Minh Chau and Tan Truong play from the kick-off.

However, as visitors to Syria’s Aleppo International Stadium, Calisto’s players had difficulty resisting their hosts’ attacks.

In the 6th, 10th and 16th minute, Syria had dangerous penalty kicks at Tan Truong’s goal, every one missing their mark.

In the 26th minute, Syria had a chance to score but Tan Truong saved.

The first chance fell to Viet Nam in the 33rd minute, when Viet Cuong overcame the challenges of Syrian defenders to pass the ball to Viet Thang who hit the post.

After that bad luck, Viet Nam were forced back to their turf to resist Syria’s attacks. Striker Le Cong Vinh failed to capitalise on a glorious opportunity and received a yellow card.

Syria dominated the first half but remained goalless. After the break, in the 46th minute, Syria enjoyed a penalty kick but missed. A chance came to Viet Nam three minutes later but striker Cong Vinh was intercepted by Syrian defenders.

In the 53rd minute, Viet Nam team made a spectacular attack originating from Vu Phong, but Quang Hai was intercepted.

Viet Nam had to play with only 10 men after the 70th minute when Cong Vinh received a second yellow card and had to leave the ground.

In the 74th minute Viet Nam had another chance to score but Quang Hai failed when Syria’s goalkeeper deflected the ball over the bar.

Syria, even with the support of fans at the home turf, couldn’t grab three points in the match.

Viet Nam will play their last games of the Asian Cup qualifiers with Lebanon away on January 6 and at home to China on March 3.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News