Vietnam was grouped in the Joint 2022 World Cup/2023 Asian Cup qualification group G with three other Southeast Asian rivals, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, alongside with United Arab Emirates. The Vietnamese started with a 0–0 away draw over Thailand before defeating Malaysia 1–0 at home and then achieving a 3–1 win against Indonesia. In November, Vietnam faced up the United Arab Emirates at home soil with attempts to break 12-year winless streak to the opponent. In spite of facing struggle in early minutes, a following red card to the UAE gave the Vietnamese an advantage, eventually managed to beat the Emirates 1–0. Then, Vietnam moved to a thrilling encounter against neighbor and fellow powerhouse Thailand at home, where both teams played out in another goalless draw, in a match with a crucial Akinfeev-penalty like save by Đặng Văn Lâm and two disallowed Vietnamese goals, to foster Vietnam's top position in the FIFA World Cup/Asian Cup qualification group G.