On December 26, 2024, the atmosphere is thick with anticipation as the Vietnamese football team prepares to face Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium for the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup semifinals. Both teams are riding waves of confidence following their journeys to this pivotal stage of the tournament.
The Vietnam national team, led by coach Kim Sang-sik, qualified for the semifinals as the top team from Group B, gathering ten points with three wins and one draw. Singapore, on the other hand, secured their place by winning two, drawing one, and losing one, thereby establishing themselves as formidable opponents.
Match day arrives with the stadium expected to boast sell-out crowds, driven by Singapore's strong home advantage. Notably, Singapore has not lost on their home ground, Jalan Besar, for over ten years. Their impressive record includes numerous victories against regional rivals, making them confident heading straight to battle against Vietnam.
Vietnam’s recent performance has sparked optimism among fans, especially following their significant 5-0 triumph over Myanmar, where star forward Nguyễn Xuân Son shone brightly with two goals and two assists. Son, now placed firmly under the spotlight, is hailed as Vietnam’s key player, eagerly looked to replicate his goal-scoring prowess against Singapore.
“Xuân Son has shown incredible potential and has made history by being the first naturalized player to score for the national team,” Kim Sang-sik affirmed during the pre-match press conference. With tensions high, he expressed optimism about his team's ability to manage the pressure of such high-stakes encounters.
Nevertheless, Singapore's tactical prowess demands respect. Coach of Singapore acknowledged the threat posed by Xuân Son, emphasizing the importance of employing strategies to neutralize him. Expectations are high on both sides for what many anticipate to be thrilling matches steeped in fierce competition.
Since their last encounter during the 2022 AFF Cup, where Vietnam battled to a stalemate with Singapore, analysts point to several strategies necessary for Vietnam to secure victory this time. Coach Kim noted, “Singapore has strong pressing capabilities and attackers skilled on counter-attacks, particularly Shawal Anuar, who we must keep contained.”
Looking back at the historical list of encounters, Vietnam stands tall with seven wins and four losses against Singapore since the turn of the millennium. Such statistics bolster Vietnam's belief as they seek to extend their unbeaten run against their adversary, last suffering defeat at the hands of Singapore back in the 1998 Tiger Cup finals.
Fans' anticipation feels tangible as public viewings are set up throughout Singapore, with community centers and local clubs providing opportunities for those unable to secure tickets to immerse themselves in the electric atmosphere. These measures speak volumes about the match's importance to the nation, highlighting the collective spirit among supporters.
Come matchtime, both teams emerge from the tunnel to the roar of thousands of enthusiastic fans. The air crackles with excitement as the referee, Lutfullin Rustam of Uzbekistan, blows the whistle to signal the start of this momentous clash.
The first half sees both teams testing each other’s defensive setups, with Singapore momentarily holding the upper hand through possession yet failing to break down Vietnam's resolute defense. Noteworthy incidents include Vietnamese striker Vĩ Hào narrowly missing the target and Xuân Son hitting the crossbar, albeit inconsistently flagged for offside. Vietnam kept pushing and forcing errors, registering just 31 percent possession but meeting most threats with steadfast resolve, protecting their goal effectively.
After goalless 45 minutes, the second half offers renewed vigor and possibilities for both teams. Early on, defensive errors plunge Vietnam back under pressure, but the resilient goalkeeper Đình Triệu remains stellar, thwarting attempts from multiple Singapore strikers, including Taufik Suparno.
Meanwhile, frustration runs high as attempts to break the deadlock from both sides lead to more offside calls, bringing momentary cheers nullified by the sight of the assistant referee’s flag. Midway through the second half, Vietnam’s substitution patterns are evident as Kim strives to inject fresh legs onto the pitch, hoping to capture the elusive lead.
With time ticking down and tension escalated to fever pitch, the outcome of this first leg remains uncertain, raising questions about tactics, team fitness, and mental fortitude. Both coaches continue to readjust their lines as the clock winds down.
Fans watch closely as history also beckons with each passing minute—Vietnam's potential summarised in captain Duy Mạnh's leadership alongside the creativity of Xuân Son. Midfield battles rage on, with frequent turnovers and both teams attempting to cement veritable control of the game.
Even as the final whistle draws near, electric tension fills the air. Both teams can see the victory right before them, yet neither could claim it as the battle remains unresolved. Just as the full-time whistle cuts across the field, the score remains locked at zeroes, ensuring the awaited return leg at Vietnam's home ground will carry monumental stakes.
The match may have ended without goals, but both sides know this is only the beginning. Each side’s strategy reveals potential for dramatic shifts, laying the groundwork for what to expect next when the two meet yet again on December 29.
