The Golden Star Warriors secured a 3-2 win in the second leg of the final held at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, adding to their 2-1 victory in the first leg. This aggregate score of 5-3 marks Vietnam's fourth ASEAN Championship title, adding to their previous victories in 2008 and 2018.
The match was a tense affair, with both teams displaying attacking football2. Pham Tuan Hai opened the scoring for Vietnam just eight minutes into the game, capitalizing on a free-kick that the Thai defense failed to clear. Thailand responded with goals from Benjamin Davis and Supachok Sarachat, leveling the score on the night. However, an own goal from Pansa Hemviboon in the second half restored Vietnam's lead. In a dramatic finish, Nguyen Hai Long sealed the victory for Vietnam in the 20th minute of second-half stoppage time, scoring into an empty net as the Thai team, including the goalkeeper, pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
This victory is particularly significant given the history between the two teams. The football rivalry between Vietnam and Thailand is one of the fiercest in Southeast Asia. While Vietnam holds the edge in the overall head-to-head record, Thailand has been the dominant force in recent years. This win marks a shift in the balance of power and solidifies Vietnam's position as a regional football powerhouse. Moreover, Thailand was vying for an unprecedented third consecutive title, making Vietnam's victory even more remarkable.
Vietnam's success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the tactical prowess of their South Korean coach, Kim Sang-sik, and the emergence of talented young players. Notably, Nguyen Xuan Son, the Brazilian-born striker who acquired Vietnamese citizenship in 2024, has been instrumental in their campaign. Son scored a brace in the first leg of the final, becoming the first Vietnamese player to score in four consecutive matches in the tournament. He also set a new record for the most goals scored by a Vietnamese player in a single ASEAN Cup campaign with seven goals. Thailand's coach, Masatada Ishii, even acknowledged Vietnam's victory and attributed it to defensive errors towards Son.
Son's naturalization has undoubtedly added a new dimension to Vietnam's attack. His goal-scoring prowess and ability to create chances have been crucial to their success. This could potentially influence other naturalization decisions in the region as teams seek to strengthen their squads with foreign-born talent.
Vietnam and Thailand's ASEAN Cup Journey
Both Vietnam and Thailand have a rich history in the ASEAN Football Championship. Thailand holds the record for the most titles, having won the tournament eight times. They were also the defending champions, having won consecutive titles in 2020 and 2022. In this tournament, Thailand's coach had prepared his team for a penalty shootout, demonstrating his strategic thinking and anticipation of different scenarios. Vietnam, on the other hand, has now won the championship four times.
The anticipation for this final clash was immense, given the historical rivalry and the high stakes involved.
Vietnamese fans have been ecstatic about their team's victory. The atmosphere in Vietnam was electric, with fans pouring into the streets to celebrate after both legs of the final. Videos captured the scenes of jubilant fans lighting flares and parading through the streets, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of their heroes. Many fans traveled to Thailand to support their team in the second leg, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the stadium. However, some fans faced difficulties securing tickets to the game due to high demand.
Vietnam's victory in the ASEAN Football Championship 2024 is a historic achievement. The thrilling final, culminating in a 5-3 aggregate win over rivals Thailand, marks Vietnam's fourth title in the tournament. This victory is particularly significant as it halts Thailand's quest for a historic third consecutive championship and underscores Vietnam's rise as a dominant force in Southeast Asian football. Key players like Nguyen Xuan Son have played a crucial role in this triumph, with his naturalization potentially influencing similar decisions in the region. The win has sparked widespread celebrations across Vietnam, igniting national pride and inspiring future generations of footballers. This victory will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Vietnamese football, solidifying the team's status as a regional powerhouse and fueling their ambitions on the international stage.
Vietnam Vodich
