Home » ASEAN Cup 2024 Final – Will Vietnam rewrite history Against Thailand?

ASEAN Cup 2024 Final – Will Vietnam rewrite history Against Thailand?

As Vietnam prepares to face Thailand in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, history presents a challenging backdrop for the Red Dragon Warriors.

It has been nearly 27 years since Vietnam last defeated Thailand at home, with their only home victory dating back to 1998.

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Across 29 meetings at the national team level, Vietnam has managed just three wins, alongside eight draws and 18 losses, giving them a win rate of only 10% compared to Thailand’s dominant 62%. Excluding friendly tournaments, Vietnam has defeated Thailand only twice in the past 30 years.

A Look Back at Key Moments

Vietnam’s most memorable victory came during the 1998 Tiger Cup semi-final at Hàng Đẫy Stadium, where Trương Việt Hoàng, Nguyễn Hồng Sơn, and Văn Sỹ Hùng scored in a historic 3-0 win. Since then, Vietnam has hosted Thailand seven times, drawing four and losing three.

In the 2008 AFF Cup final, Vietnam triumphed over Thailand 2-1 at Rajamangala Stadium before a 1-1 draw at Mỹ Đình, securing their first-ever championship. However, it has been 17 years since Vietnam last defeated Thailand in an official competition.

2024 ASEAN Cup Final: A Balanced Matchup

This year, Vietnam enters the final in stronger form, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament under coach Kim Sang-sik. In contrast, Thailand, coached by Masatada Ishii, suffered a 1-2 loss in their semi-final first leg against the Philippines.

Statistically, Thailand boasts a superior attack, scoring 22 goals in six matches compared to Vietnam’s 16. However, Vietnam’s defense has been more solid, conceding only three goals to Thailand’s seven. While Thailand has created more scoring opportunities, Vietnam leads in clean sheets and defensive stability.

The first leg of the final will take place tonight at Việt Trì Stadium, Phú Thọ, with the return leg scheduled three days later at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. Thailand remains unbeaten in their last eight home matches, their most recent home loss being a 0-3 defeat to South Korea in March 2024 during World Cup qualifiers.

Key Battle: Xuan Son vs. Suphanat Mueanta

One of the most anticipated duels of the final is between Nguyễn Xuân Son and Suphanat Mueanta, both contenders for the tournament’s MVP award. Xuân Son leads the Golden Boot race with five goals in just three matches, while Suphanat, tied with Nguyễn Tiến Linh at four goals, also tops the assist chart with four decisive passes.

As Vietnam and Thailand renew their rivalry, fans can expect an intense and closely fought battle for regional supremacy.