Despite having been beaten by Vietnam this year and being ranked 20 places lower in the FIFA World Rankings, Thailand appear confident of defeating Vietnam if they are drawn in the same group. The Thai media have even said being in the same group with Vietnam is lucky and they hoped it would happen. Thai newspaper SMM Sport wrote: “After taking a look at the seeding pots, Thailand can only count on luck in the draw for the second round. Thailand hope to be drawn with China (first pot) and Vietnam (second pot) because they are easy to beat.” Thailand is often considered the regional powerhouse, even after Vietnam won the AFF Cup last December. But Vietnam affirmed their position after the national team beat Thai 1-0 at the friendly tournament King’s Cup earlier this month. Last March, Vietnam’s U23 team beat Thailand’s 4-0 to earn a ticket to the 2020 AFC U23 Championship. Yet SMM Sport is all confident: “The chances of advancing for Thailand will be much higher if they are in the same group as Vietnam and China.” For the draw, the top eight ranked teams are in the first pot. The next eight, including Vietnam, are…