Vietnam triumphed in one of the most dramatic ASEAN Cup finals in history Sunday night, defeating Thailand 3-2 in the second leg to secure their third title with a 5-3 aggregate score. Played at Thailand's home ground, Rajamangala Stadium, the match began with both teams displaying cautious strategies, but Vietnam struck early.
Pham Tuan Hai broke the offside trap just 8 minutes in, catching Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai off guard by chipping the ball over him, which put Vietnam ahead 3-1 on aggregate. The hosts, Thailand, responded quickly when they equalized 20 minutes later. A defensive error by Vietnam's Ngoc Tan allowed Ben Davies to curl a beautiful shot from the edge of the box, leveling the score at 1-1 and energizing the home crowd.
The tension escalated as the second half kicked off, with both teams pushing hard for the next goal. Thailand, needing to overturn the aggregate deficit, came out strong and managed to level the aggregate score at 3-3 after Supachok Sarachat fired a stunning long-range shot past Vietnam’s goalkeeper. This goal came after Vietnam opted to play the ball out for an injury, raising eyebrows among fans and players alike. A VAR review confirmed the goal stood, sending the Rajamangala Stadium roaring with support for Thailand.
Vietnam, undeterred, found their footing again and took the lead at 4-3 on aggregate 10 minutes later. Tuan Hai, after initially being unable to finish, saw his shot deflect off Thailand's Pansa Hemviboon to take it past Khammai once again. With the match nearing its climax, Thailand’s situation worsened when Weerathep Pomphan received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the hosts with 10 players against Vietnam's full squad.
Despite the setback, Thailand pushed for parity, even resorting to throwing their goalkeeper forward to add more attack. Frantic moments unfolded as the clock continued to wind down. Just when it appeared Thailand might find another equalizer, stoppage time brought one final twist. Nguyen Hai Long seized the moment, scoring from midfield with the Thai goal gaping, sealing the match at 3-2 for Vietnam.
With the final whistle, Vietnam was crowned champions of the ASEAN Cup. This victory marked their third title, their first since 2018, prompting wild celebrations among their fans. Vietnam's performance has been hailed not just for their technical prowess but for their resilience through the highs and lows of the match.
Khemdee, Thailand’s coach, acknowledged the strength of the Vietnam team, stating, "Vietnam is a strong team with several quality players. But we need to concentrate on countering their collective gameplay, not just one individual," reflecting on the balance needed to tackle such fierce competitors.
Celebrations erupted among Vietnamese fans as the players were presented with the cup, reinforcing the sentiment of triumph and hard-fought success. Fans alike cherished the night, grateful for the team's dedication and skill. The ASEAN Cup final will surely be remembered as one of the most exhilarating matches, showcasing the true spirit of Southeast Asian football.