Vietnam's national football team is set to face Thailand in the highly anticipated final of the 2024 ASEAN Cup (previously known as the AFF Cup) on January 5, 2025. The match will take place at the famed Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 local time.
This showdown is significant as Vietnam enters the match with momentum, following their 2-1 victory over Thailand just three days prior on home turf. The win has positioned Vietnam favorably heading to the second leg of the final, where they only need to avoid losing to clinch the championship for the third time in their history.
Head coach Kim Sang-sik is confident about his team's prospects. "We want to do something different in this match," he stated, hinting at strategic adjustments aimed at countering Thailand's aggressive playstyle. With both teams set to give their all, every moment will be pivotal.
Meanwhile, Thailand, under the guidance of Masatada Ishii, faces the pressure of needing to reverse the tie. "We will not give up. We will fight until the end," asserted Jonathan Khemdee, the central figure of Thailand's defense, as they seek to establish their dominance at home.
While Vietnam has had the upper hand recently, with their stellar performance throughout the tournament, they will be battling not only against their opponents but also the passionate local fanbase expected to fill the stadium. Historically, Rajamangala is known to be challenging for visiting teams, contributing to the atmosphere of intense rivalry.
Both teams have suffered player injuries, impacting roster developments and strategies. Players like Văn Toàn and Hồ Tấn Tài (Vietnam) as well as Teerasak and Akarapong Pumwisat (Thailand) will miss the decider, forcing the respective coaching staff to adapt.
The excitement heading to the final is palpable, with fans on both sides eager to witness the culmination of weeks of hard-fought competition. The last time Vietnam triumphed against Thailand on this ground was back in 2008, making it a historical mark to aim for.
At the pre-match press conference, Kim Sang-sik was pragmatic, stating simply, "We just need to avoid losing to be champions," though he acknowledged the elevated stakes both teams are facing.
Vietnam, boasting a unique unbeaten run throughout this AFF Cup campaign, including stand-out performances from key players like Nguyễn Xuân Sơn, hopes to deliver another stellar performance. The team remains optimistic and well-prepared as they engage Thailand on their home turf.
Meanwhile, Thailand's need for conquest amplifies the stakes of this match, particularly with their determination to defend their title and capture their eighth championship. Khemdee highlighted the focus on disrupting Vietnam's collective gameplay rather than concentrating solely on individual threats.
There's no denying the emphatic weight of both teams. The match is set to be exciting and intense, with spirited plays likely breaking out. While the history favors none, the future will tell which team will emerge victorious—a moment eagerly awaited by fans across the region.
With many viewing options available including live broadcasts on VTV2 and FPT Play, fans will be gathered around screens, invigorated by their passionate support across different platforms as the final commencement approaches.
This exciting clash is bound to be not just about securing points but also about history, national pride, and unforgettable moments on the field.