Vietnam's national football team recently celebrated their remarkable victory at the ASEAN Cup 2024, securing the championship for the third time. On January 6, 2024, the team was honored by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a ceremony held at the Government Headquarters. The Prime Minister commended the players for their exceptional performance throughout the tournament and expressed his pride for their achievement.
The ASEAN Cup is known for showcasing the best of Southeast Asian football, and the Vietnamese team's participation this year was nothing short of spectacular. The national squad played eight matches overall, achieving seven wins and one draw. The crowning moment came during the finals, where they faced Thailand, winning decisively with an aggregate score of 5-3 across two legs.
During the awarding ceremony, PM Pham Minh Chinh presented the First Class Labor Order to the national team and gave Third Class Labor Orders to several outstanding individual players, including team captain Duy Manh and top scorer Nguyen Xuan Son. The accolades reflect the hard work and dedication shown by each player, as the team navigated the ups and downs of the tournament.
Coach Kim Sang Sik, who led the team to triumph, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the squad. "The championship is the result of the entire nation's support, investment, and encouragement for our football team," he stated, highlighting the unity and determination within the squad. The victory not only marked another milestone for Vietnamese football but also served as a symbol of national pride.
During his remarks, Prime Minister Chinh reflected on how the team’s success echoed the hopes and dreams of over 100 million Vietnamese citizens. "The results of the team made the Vietnamese people proud, both domestically and internationally. They inspire all of us to strive for greatness and aim for the highest honors on the global stage," he emphasized.
Nguyen Xuan Son not only contributed significantly to the team's success this season but also set records by winning both the Golden Boot and the Best Player awards. His consistent scoring ability and on-field leadership were instrumental throughout the campaign. Goalkeeper Dinh Trieu, recognized for his outstanding saves, was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, solidifying his place as one of the key players.
Following the ceremony, various enterprises, including the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group and VNPT, pledged monetary support to the team, reinforcing the country's commitment to nurturing football talent. The government and public interest has surged, painting an optimistic outlook for the future of Vietnamese football.
Looking forward, the Vietnamese national team aims to accomplish even greater achievements, aspiring to win championships at the Asia level and qualify for the World Cup. Both Coach Kim and Captain Duy Manh echoed similar sentiments, affirming their commitment to training hard and delivering successful results for their fans.
The victory at the ASEAN Cup is seen as not just a sporting achievement but also as part of the broader national spirit of resilience and aspiration. It highlights the potential within Vietnamese sports to reach new heights. Indeed, football has the unique power to unite people, and this victory is no exception.
Overall, the successfully celebrated ASEAN Cup victory symbolizes hope for future endeavors, enthusing the entire nation toward continued support for football and other sports. Prime Minister Chinh's remarks about the need for the team not to grow complacent but to continue pushing boundaries resonate deeply, as the nation anticipates even bigger milestones on the horizon.