Vietnam National Football Team vs India National Football Team Timeline – Complete Match History

Introduction

Football, often called “the beautiful game,” is a sport that unites millions of fans worldwide. While European and South American teams often dominate headlines, football in Asia is also rapidly growing in popularity and importance. One of the most intriguing football rivalries in Asia is between the Vietnam National Football Team vs India National Football Team Timeline.

Both teams boast rich footballing histories, passionate fanbases, and significant achievements in Asian football tournaments. The rivalry between Vietnam and India has been evolving, with each match telling its own story of competition, excitement, and progress in the sport. In this article, we will explore the Vietnam National Football Team vs India National Football Team timeline, reviewing their historic encounters, memorable matches, and crucial moments that have shaped their footballing relationship over the years.

Vietnam National Football Team vs India National Football Team: Overview

Before diving deep into the timeline of their head-to-head clashes, let’s take a brief look at the two teams’ histories and their status in international football.

Vietnam National Football Team: A Brief History

The Vietnam National Football Team represents the Southeast Asian nation of Vietnam in international football. The team has made significant progress in recent years, both in terms of its performance and reputation within the region.

Some key milestones for the Vietnam national team include:

• 1976: Vietnam unified into a single country after the Vietnam War and began competing in international football tournaments.
• 2008: Vietnam achieved significant success by winning the AFF Championship, marking a high point in their regional football journey.
• 2018: Vietnam reached the final of the AFC U-23 Championship, signaling their rising status in Asian football.
• 2020: Vietnam achieved its highest-ever FIFA ranking of 94th globally, showcasing their growth in recent years.

India National Football Team: A Brief History

The India National Football Team has been a long-standing presence in Asian football. While the country’s football history may not be as decorated as some of the other top nations, India has always been a strong force in South Asia. The Indian national team has witnessed varying success across decades and continues to develop through youth programs and domestic leagues.

Key milestones for the India National Football Team include:

• 1947: India gained independence and began establishing itself in international football competitions.
• 1950: India qualified for the FIFA World Cup but withdrew from the tournament, which remains a historic moment in the country’s footballing story.
• 1960s: India won multiple titles in regional competitions such as the Colombo Cup and the Merdeka Tournament.
• 2011: India won the AFC Challenge Cup, earning a spot in the AFC Asian Cup.
• 2019: India reached 97th place in the FIFA rankings, marking their highest position in the global rankings at the time.

Vietnam vs India Head-to-Head Record: A Timeline of Encounters

Both the Vietnam and India national football teams have faced each other on a few occasions throughout history. These encounters have come in various tournaments, friendlies, and qualifiers, and have often resulted in exciting contests.

Early Encounters

While the Vietnam National Football Team has a more established footballing history, India was initially more active in the sport, especially in the mid-20th century. However, in the early years of their footballing relationship, the two teams did not meet often on the pitch.

Key Historical Matches

1. 1977: First Official Meeting

The first official meeting between Vietnam and India came in a friendly match in 1977. It was a rare opportunity for both teams to test themselves against each other. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, marking the beginning of a long-standing football rivalry between the two nations.

2. 1997: Friendly Match in the UAE

The next notable encounter between the teams came in 1997 during a friendly competition held in the United Arab Emirates. In this match, Vietnam defeated India 3-0, showcasing their superior performance on the field at the time. The victory highlighted Vietnam’s rising presence in Southeast Asian football.

3. 2002: 2002 AFC Asian Cup Qualification

Both teams were engaged in the 2002 AFC Asian Cup qualification rounds, where they met on a few occasions. Vietnam managed to gain a 2-1 victory in one of their key encounters, securing an important win in the qualification process.

4. 2012: Friendly Match

In 2012, the Vietnam and India national teams faced off again in a friendly match, which ended in a 3-1 win for Vietnam. This victory further cemented Vietnam’s dominance in their encounters.

5. 2018: AFC Asian Cup

One of the most significant recent encounters between Vietnam and India took place in the 2018 AFC Asian Cup. This encounter saw both teams competing at a high level, and India emerged victorious with a 1-0 win in a closely contested match. The result was a notable one for India, as it helped them secure an important victory in their group stage.

Timeline of Vietnam vs India National Football Team Encounters

Key Moments and Players in Vietnam vs India Matches

In each encounter between Vietnam and India, there have been players who stood out and left an indelible mark on the games. Let’s take a closer look at some key players and moments from the history of their encounters:

Notable Players:

Vietnam:

• Nguyễn Quang Hải: Quang Hải has been one of Vietnam’s brightest stars in recent years. His creativity and ability to make things happen on the pitch have often been crucial in Vietnam’s victories over India. Known for his vision, passing, and leadership, Quang Hải played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s AFC Asian Cup journey in 2018.

India:

• Sunil Chhetri: India’s all-time leading goal scorer, Sunil Chhetri, has been the heartbeat of the national team for over a decade. His leadership on the pitch and ability to score crucial goals in competitive matches have been vital for India, especially in their victories over teams like Vietnam.

Key Moments:

• The 1-0 Victory in 2018: India’s win in the 2018 AFC Asian Cup was a huge moment in the rivalry. The victory was seen as a significant achievement, with India defeating a well-organized and skilled Vietnam team.

• Vietnam’s Dominance in Friendly Matches: Over the years, Vietnam has maintained a solid record against India in friendlies, including impressive wins such as their 3-1 victory in 2012, which reaffirmed their place as one of Southeast Asia’s top football teams.

Vietnam vs India Football Rivalry: Current Status

As both teams continue to grow and evolve in the world of football, their rivalry is expected to intensify. Vietnam, under their new management, continues to develop a strong footballing identity, while India’s growth has been more gradual. The rivalry between the two nations remains important for the development of football in Asia, and the competitive nature of their encounters continues to excite football fans across both countries.

Current Rankings:

As of 2025:

• Vietnam: Ranked 94th in the FIFA rankings, Vietnam is one of the top teams in Southeast Asia.
• India: Ranked 106th, India continues to build a strong foundation for their footballing future.

Upcoming Fixtures:

• Both Vietnam and India have upcoming matches in regional tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and various international friendlies. Their encounters in these tournaments will only add to the growing rivalry and anticipation among fans.

Conclusion

The rivalry between the Vietnam National Football Team and the India National Football Team has seen its ups and downs over the years. From their first meeting in 1977 to their most recent encounter in 2018, the two teams have shared some memorable moments on the football pitch. Vietnam, with its consistent performance and development, has been the dominant force in this rivalry. However, India’s resilience and potential make every encounter between these two teams a highly anticipated event for football fans.

Read More Also: Buchi Babu Cricket Tournament: A Historic Event in Indian Cricket