Vietnam fell to a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat to China after a stirring comeback was foiled by a last-minute goal on October 7 night (local time) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The defeat means coach Park hang-seo’s men are still without a point in the third round of 2022 World Cup qualifying after three matches.

The first half ended with no goals scored although both sides had chances.

Chinese striker Zhang Yuning tested Vietnamese keeper Bui Tan Truong just two minutes into the match but his right-footed shot from the left side of the six-yard box missed to the right.

Star Chinese forward Wu Lei had two consecutive chances to score minutes later but both of the Espanyol man’s attempts were denied.

The visiting side also had six attempts with three from striker Nguyen Tien Linh, who scored a double in a friendly match which saw Vietnam’s U22 team beat China’s U22 squad 2-0 in 2019.

Just seven minutes after the break, Zhang opened the scoring after Truong parried Wu’s close-range shot into his path.

Source: Vietnam News Agency