Vietnam's national football team has made history once again by securing the 2024 AFF Cup championship after defeating Thailand with a 5-3 aggregate score over two legs. The decisive second leg final took place at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on January 5, 2025, where emotions ran high and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Early on, Vietnam set the tone of the match, with Pham Tuan Hai scoring within the first eight minutes. This goal was significant as it piled pressure on the Thai team, who were still reeling from their 2-1 loss in the first leg. Just 20 minutes later, the home team equalized when Ben Davis found the back of the net, making the score 1-1 at halftime.
The second half proved to be even more intense when Supachok Sarachat scored for Thailand, giving them a 2-1 advantage. The stakes were raised when Thailand was reduced to ten men after Weerathep Pomphan received his second yellow card and was sent off. This turned the tide of the match as Vietnam seized the opportunity to retaliate.
Vietnam took full advantage of their numerical superiority. The turning point came when Pansa Hemviboon scored an own goal after misjudging the ball, bringing the score to 2-2 and re-igniting confidence among the Vietnamese players. To seal their victory, Nguyen Hai Long scored again right at the end, confirming Vietnam's 3-2 win for the match and culminating in their overall triumph.
The victory marked Vietnam's third title, adding to their previous wins in 2008 and 2018. With this achievement, Vietnam becomes the third country to achieve multiple AFF Cup championships, behind Singapore who holds the record with four titles. Thailand, on the other hand, has won this tournament seven times but fell short of achieving their goal of securing three consecutive victories after winning the previous editions of 2020 and 2022.
Vietnam's head coach, Kim Sang-sik, expressed his delight at the team's performance, stating, "We will do everything to become champions. We came to Thailand to beat Thailand and win the championship." This statement reflects his confidence and the preparation the team undertook leading up to the tournament.
The final on January 5 was significant, not only as it showcased the fierce competition between two Southeast Asian football giants but also as it illustrated the growing strength of Vietnamese football at the international level. With their ranking improving steadily, as confirmed by their rise to 114th prior to the tournament, Vietnamese football is on the rise.
Support from fans was palpable throughout the tournament, particularly as hundreds of Vietnamese supporters traveled to Thailand, increasing demand for flights and accommodations, reflecting their passionate commitment to the team.
Throughout the historical rivalry, Vietnam and Thailand have clashed multiple times, making contests between these two nations charged with emotion and intense competitiveness. This latest victory is not just another win but a landmark moment for Vietnam as they continue to build their reputation on the regional stage.
Despite the defeat, Thailand's successful history and record of seven AFF Cup titles remains unchallenged, making them the most successful team in the competition. They will surely look to bounce back and reclaim their title following this setback.
With their stunning performance, the Vietnam national football team has not only showcased their talent but also their resilience, promising exciting prospects for the future of football in Vietnam. Fans will be eager to see how this victory impacts their upcoming international fixtures and whether they can build on this success.
This latest chapter conclusively demonstrates the evolution of Vietnamese football, establishing them as a national team to watch on both regional and international pitches.