Vietnam's national football team heads back home to Viet Tri for the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semifinal against Singapore, set to kick off at 8:00 PM local time on December 29. After securing a convincing 2-0 victory away at Singapore's Jalan Besar Stadium, the team, coached by Kim Sang-sik, is now full of confidence and aims to reach the finals with only one hurdle remaining.
The first leg of the semifinal was fraught with challenges for both teams, with Singapore proving to be persistent foes. Vietnam's success hinged upon late goals from Nguyen Tien Linh, who scored from the penalty spot, and Xuan Son, who sealed the win with another goal deep in injury time. Singapore's coach, Tsuomu Ogura, acknowledged the struggle and noted, "The players from Singapore came to Vietnam not for sightseeing but to play to win." The Vietnamese squad has shown exceptional resilience, and they possess the historical advantage against their opponents, being unbeaten for 17 matches, with their last loss to Singapore dating back to 1998.
Both teams will enter the match with heightened stakes. With Vietnam leading by two goals, coach Kim Sang-sik has stated, "We have to be fully focused to fight for victory." His cautious approach is reflective of the team’s need to respect their opponent's ability to strike back. Ogura is aware of the uphill battle his team faces, emphasizing the need for clarity in their attacking strategy to capitalize on early scoring chances. "I cannot say how many percent chance we have to advance, but Singapore will surprise Vietnam," he warned, possibly hinting at the team's preparedness to come out strong against Vietnam.
The Vietnamese side is expected to make some adjustments, resting key players like Quang Hai for the match. Expected to lead the charge will be striker Xuân Son, who scored both goals against Singapore's last fixture. With the support of their fans and the comfort of playing on home turf, Vietnam is poised to avoid complacency.
Fans can anticipate lively action as the teams align for what promises to be another exhilarating encounter. A draw—or even a one-goal loss—will still see Vietnam through to the final, but with the current momentum, they hopefully eye another dominant performance.
The teams' anticipated starting line-ups reflect their strategies. Vietnam is expected to field goalkeeper Dinh Trieu, alongside defenders Bui Tien Dung, Thanh Chung, and Duy Manh. Midfield will see Hoang Duc and Doan Ngoc Tan command play, with Xuân Son supported by Hai Long and Chau Ngoc Quang on the wings. On the other side, Singapore will aim to capitalize on any defensive lapses from their rival, fielding their strongest lineup.
With the match happening at the Viet Tri Stadium—a venue where they have maintained success—Vietnam aims to leverage the advantage of playing on natural grass, something they are more accustomed to compared to Singapore's artificial surface. The team is not only motivated by the pursuit of victory but also by the fervent support of their fans who expect nothing less than advancement to the finals.
This semifinal clash is more than just another match; it’s not only about the title but also about national pride and the opportunity for players to showcase their skills on the international stage. The outcome will reverberate throughout the region as both teams represent the competitiveness of ASEAN football.
Regardless of the challenges faced, both squads are prepared to battle, and the anticipation builds among fans and players alike. This pivotal match could very well determine the course of the ASEAN Cup and cement legacies for the respective teams.