Chanathip (10) and his teammates get a tough draw at home on September 5, 2019.

Even with established coach Akira Nishino and 4 stars who play for teams overseas, Thailand could not find the net in 90 minutes.

“This was a tough game and my team played well. The outcome was bad but it was better than a defeat. We were all determined to win but were, unfortunately, unable to score. We did all we could,” Chanathip, who has been dubbed “The Thai Messi”, told SMM Sports.

“The next away match against Indonesia will also be tough but Thailand will do its best to earn three points,” he added.

For Vietnam, the draw with Thailand was acceptable. Coach Park Hang-seo and his players  will have nearly a month to prepare for their next World Cup 2020 qualifier, this time against Malaysia, in Hanoi on October 10.