The quantum dynamics of a photoassociation reaction in the electronic ground state controlled by an infrared picosecond laser pulse is investigated. The association reaction O + H → OH(v) is simulated by representative wavepackets. The OH molecule to be formed is modeled as a non-rotating Morse oscillator. It is shown that the initial free continuum state of O + H can be transferred selectively into a specified vibrational bound state by interaction with an infrared laser pulse. Optimal design of the laser control field leads to high association probability with very high vibrational state-selectivity.