Home » Vietnam Secures Historic 2-1 Victory Over Thailand in ASEAN Cup 2024 Final First Leg

Vietnam Secures Historic 2-1 Victory Over Thailand in ASEAN Cup 2024 Final First Leg

Asean Cup 2024 Final 1st leg – In a thrilling encounter at Việt Trì Stadium, Vietnam ended a 27-year drought with a 2-1 victory over Thailand on home soil, thanks to a brilliant second-half double by Nguyễn Xuân Son.

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The historic win broke nearly three decades of frustration and marked Vietnam’s first victory against Thailand in an official match since 2008.

Vietnam broke the Curse, Xuan Son scored a double against rivals Thailand

Nguyễn Xuân Son, a naturalized Brazilian striker, delivered when it mattered most. His two goals in the second half gave Vietnam a crucial two-goal lead. Thailand, however, kept their hopes alive when defender Chalermsak Aukkee headed in a late goal to make it 2-1, setting the stage for a tense second leg in Bangkok on January 5.

Unlike in previous tournaments, the ASEAN Cup 2024 does not use the away goals rule. If Thailand wins by just one goal in the second leg, extra time and penalties will decide the champion. However, a draw in Bangkok would crown Vietnam as the new champions on Thailand’s home turf at Rajamangala Stadium.

Vietnam Missed Opportunities but a Historic Win is all that needed

While the victory is a milestone, fans were left wondering what could have been, as Vietnam dominated the match with 21 shots, including two golden chances missed by Xuân Son and Vũ Văn Thanh. Nevertheless, the duo combined for the first goal in the 59th minute. Substitute Nguyễn Quang Hải delivered a cross to Văn Thanh, who headed it perfectly into Xuân Son’s path for a close-range finish. The goal sent the stadium into a frenzy, with even Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính celebrating passionately.

Xuân Son added his second in the 73rd minute with a stunning individual effort. He intercepted the ball in midfield, powered past defenders, and calmly slotted a left-footed strike into the far corner. This was his seventh goal of the tournament in just four matches, solidifying his lead in the Golden Boot race.

Thailand Strikes Back

Thailand pulled one back in the 83rd minute when Suphanat Mueanta’s precise cross found Chalermsak, who rose above the defense to head the ball into the net. Goalkeeper Nguyễn Đình Triệu, who had been reliable throughout, couldn’t react in time to clear the danger.

Looking Ahead at the ASEAN Cup 2024 Final 2nd leg

Despite the win, Vietnam cannot rest easy. Thailand overcame a similar 2-1 first-leg deficit against the Philippines in the semi-finals, winning 3-1 in the return leg. Vietnam must maintain their high-pressure play in Bangkok to secure the title.

For now, the victory has sparked celebrations across the country, as fans cheer the team’s first home win against Thailand in 27 years and their first victory in an official match since 2008. With the confidence gained from this performance, Vietnam has a strong chance of finishing the job in the second leg and lifting the ASEAN Cup.