The UAE, which desperately needed a win, played attacking right after kickoff but failed to put much pressure on Vietnam. 

After 10 minutes, Vietnam gradually regained control with the excellent performance of midfielders Hung Dung and Tuan Anh. Van Toan even created several chances.

In the 36^th minute, Hung Dung made a superb pass to Tien Linh, who was fouled by a UAE defender. The Japanese referee immediately gave the UAE player a red card.

The red card is the turning point of the match. (Photo: Van Hai)

Vietnam completely controlled the game. After receiving the ball from the middle of the pitch, Tien Linh shot from the distance. The UAE goalkeeper jumped up but could not catch the ball. This was also the only goal of the first half.  

In the 46th minute, Tien Linh almost scored his second goal thanks to Van Hau’s pass but he was blocked by a UAE defender. 

With only 10 men on the pitch, the UAE conducted several dangerous counter attacks. In the 50th minutes, striker No. 9 speeded up in the right wing and kicked a shot. Fortunately, Van Lam saved the net.

It was also the only dangerous situation that the visitors created. Vietnam fully controlled the game with Tuan Anh a serving as cornerstone in the center.

Minutes later, Van Toan was replaced by Cong Phuong who played quite well. With his outstanding dribbling skills,  Phuong was a constant threat to the UAE's defense but his finishes lack accuracy due to the fact that he has been on the bench for too long in Belgium. 

In the last minutes of the match, Vietnam played defensively to secure the 1-0 lead.  

Vietnam now top group G with 10 points, followed by Thailand, which unexpectedly lost 1-2 to Malaysia.