Vietnam’s winning run faces a fresh test against Chinese Taipei

Vietnam’s momentum on the line

Vietnam go into Wednesday’s friendly against Chinese Taipei with a five-match winning run in this competition. They have scored 17 goals and conceded two across those five matches, giving them a strong platform as they look to extend their streak.

The numbers apply to Vietnam’s five friendlies in this competition, not to their overall season form. Their home record in those matches is also perfect: four wins from four, with 11 goals scored and two conceded. Chinese Taipei, meanwhile, have no friendlies in this competition to draw on, so the visitors arrive without a comparable run in this particular setting.

A productive run

Vietnam’s latest friendly was a win, and their five straight victories have come alongside three clean sheets. That defensive record matters as much as their scoring output: they have allowed only two goals in the five-match sequence.

The 17 goals suggest Vietnam have been consistently capable of turning pressure into goals, while the clean sheets show they have also managed matches effectively at the back. Continuing both trends would make it difficult for Chinese Taipei to halt the run.

Vietnam hold the recent edge

Vietnam are unbeaten in the last three meetings between the sides, with two wins and one draw; Chinese Taipei have not won any of those encounters. The most recent meeting, a friendly in March 2017, ended 1-1. That result offers a reminder that the head-to-head record does not rule out a close contest, despite Vietnam’s overall advantage.

The streak-setters

Vietnam’s collective form is the main story rather than any one named player. Their 17 goals in five friendlies point to a potent attack, while three clean sheets underline the balance behind the winning run.

Chinese Taipei’s challenge will be to disrupt that combination and prevent Vietnam from settling into the kind of scoring rhythm they have shown in this competition.

Our prediction

Vietnam have the clear form advantage and will look to press it at home, where they have won all four of their friendlies in this competition. Their winning streak and stronger recent record make them the side with the edge, although the latest head-to-head meeting ended level and a draw remains a plausible alternative.