The AFF Cup 2024 final between Thailand and Vietnam is leaving lasting impressions, not just for the decisive match outcome but for the controversy surrounding one of Thailand's goals, igniting debates on sportsmanship and fair play. With Vietnam claiming the championship title with a 3-2 victory, Thailand's second goal—which was mired in accusations of poor sportsmanship—has become the focal point of discussions.
During the match, excitement peaked when, at the 64th minute, the Thai team took the lead with Supachok Sarachat's long-range strike. This goal, which put Thailand up 2-1, followed what some described as poor sportsmanship. At the time, the Vietnamese goalkeeper Đình Triệu had kicked the ball out to allow medical staff to attend to injured teammate Hoàng Đức. Thailand, rather than returning the ball, seized the opportunity to score, catching the Vietnam defense off guard.
Masatada Ishii, head coach of Thailand, referred to the goal as “beautiful,” but many critics took to social media to voice their outrage. They condemned this play, which deviated from traditional fair play standards expected within football. Various fans expressed their disappointment and frustration, emphasizing the unsporting nature of this moment.
One Thai fan voiced his concerns, stating, "I feel embarrassed when we score like this." Another echoed this sentiment, noting Thailand’s need to embrace fair play, especially after receiving red cards and conceding goals during the remainder of the match. Despite this incident, the victory went to Vietnam, who performed admirably to secure the championship.
After the match, Coach Ishii acknowledged the situation, saying, "We made mistakes at the start of the game, and those moments changed the match. The Vietnamese team played exceptionally well and deserved the championship." This recognition reflects not only on Thailand's performance but also on Vietnam's strategic execution throughout the two-legged final.
Supporters of Thailand were split on how to perceive Supachok's controversial goal, with some praising it as simply good football, dismissing appeals to fair play as overreactions. Yet, many others lamented the need for respect and sportsmanship on the field. The broader Thai football community is now grappling with this incident as it reflects on their team’s youth and future potential.
Moving forward, Coach Ishii is optimistic about building upon this experience, focusing on the development of many promising young players within the squad. He declared, "Despite our unfortunate outcome, we are optimistic about our future and will work diligently to improve and prepare for upcoming competitions." His commitment to learning from this defeat, he insists, marks the beginning of new strategies and reforms aiming to bolster the national team's performance.
This incident has launched discussions across football forums both locally and regionally, shedding light on how sportsmanship is perceived and valued in competitive sports. With Vietnam’s triumph—both psychologically and on the scoreboard—they’ve certainly underscored their place at the forefront of Southeast Asian football.
The conclusion of the AFF Cup 2024 has set the stage for upcoming competitions, with Thailand now focusing on preparations for the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The first match against Sri Lanka is set for March 25, 2025, marking the next chapter for the national team.