Thailand defeated 10-man Vietnam 1-0 in the opener of the 2018 World Cupsecond qualification round of Group F in Bangkok on May 24.

The match between two arch-rivals in Southeast Asia lured Thai and Vietnamese fans to the 50,000-seat Rajamangala Stadium.

Vietnam,despite a remarkable improvement recently under Japanese coach ToshyiaMiura, were overshadowed by the host side, led by former nationalstriker Kiatisuk Senamuang.

Thailand were better in both attackand defence and locked Vietnam's strikers out of the game whilelaunching consecutive attempts.

In the 73rd minute, Vietnam's Nguyen Minh Chau received a second yellow card and was sent off.

Hisdeparture left a big hole in the midfield, and substitute Pokklaw Ananfinished coolly after a pass from Teerasil in the 81st minute.

Themidfielder picked up the ball outside of the Vietnam penalty area,feinted to hit with his right before unleashing a left foot drive intothe far corner.

Vietnam had their own chances but it was difficult to break through Thai defence.

Hopesare high in Thailand that their young team can top the group – alsofeaturing Indonesia, Iraq and Chinese Taipei – and qualify for the 2019Asian Cup and the next round of 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

The second match of the group will be between Indonesia and Chinese Taipei on June 11.

Vietnam will meet Thailand in their second leg match in October in Hanoi.-VNA