The Vietnam National Football Team is gearing up for the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 semi-finals against Singapore, set to kick off on December 26, 2024. The atmosphere is brimming with excitement as the players, including star forward Xuân Son, have flown to Singapore to undergo acclimatization and preparation for this much-anticipated clash.
Xuân Son, who is no stranger to the challenges of international play, stated, "Everyone wants me to score a hat-trick, I know. But I understand the victory for the team is the most important thing. Even scoring just one goal is great if we win." This perspective reflects the collective mindset prevalent among the team as they head toward this pivotal match.
The team departed for Singapore on December 23, three days before the match, providing ample time to adjust to the hot and humid conditions prevalent there. Xuân Son commented on the challenges posed by the weather: "The weather in Singapore is much hotter than Việt Trì, at 30 degrees Celsius and it often rains. Plus, playing on artificial turf presents significant challenges for our team."
It won’t be the first time Xuân Son has played on artificial turf, as he had his share of experiences during previous matches. Having played at the Jalan Besar Stadium before, he is optimistic about his performance: "This isn't unfamiliar territory for me. Just last October, I played here with Nam Định and managed to score, helping my team secure a 3-3 draw against our opponents. That experience should come handy on the pitch this time around."
One source of motivation for Xuân Son is his family, who have been unwavering supporters of his football career. "My family encourages me and attends every match. That's my greatest motivation," he expressed. His son Matteo shows his enthusiasm by chanting “Papa, ghi bàn, ghi bàn” (Papa, score, score) to cheer him on, highlighting the players' connection with their loved ones during such significant moments.
This semi-final match not only carries the weight of national pride but also the opportunity for the Vietnamese team to demonstrate their development on the international football stage. With their rich history and competitive spirit, fans are hopeful for their success against the Singaporean side.
Importantly, this match serves as part of the broader narrative surrounding this year's AFF Cup, which has seen Vietnam returning as strong contenders. The subsequent leg of the semi-finals will follow just three days later at Việt Trì, adding to the excitement and importance of the initial matchup.
Bringing hope and resilience, the Vietnam National Football Team is set to make its mark on December 26, aiming to carry the momentum through to the return leg, whilst also instilling pride among their home supporters.
