On December 26, 2024, the Vietnamese national football team secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Singapore during the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 semifinals. The match, held at Jalan Besar Stadium, was filled with tension and excitement, highlighted by late goals and controversial officiation.
After the game, Vietnamese coach Kim Sang-sik expressed gratitude to his players, saying, "I truly thank the players for this emotional victory. We encountered difficulties in the first half, but we adjusted our tactics and performed much stronger in the second half." This sentiment reflected the true nature of the match, as Vietnam struggled early on but found their rhythm later.
The game was not without its contentious moments. Vietnamese forward Nguyễn Xuân Son had his stunning goal disallowed after VAR review, which determined he had handled the ball before scoring. Coach Kim voiced his discontent, acknowledging the tough call against his team. He stated, "The decision to disallow Xuân Son's goal was certainly unfortunate for us, but we must respect the referees and their decisions. They managed the game well, and I thank them for their officiation."
The turning point came during stoppage time when Vietnam was awarded a penalty kick after VAR confirmed a handball by Singapore defender Shakir Hamzah. Forward Tiến Linh stepped up and successfully converted the penalty at the 90+11 mark. Just minutes later, Xuân Son redeemed himself with a close-range goal, sealing Vietnam's win at 90+14.
Singapore's coach, Tsutomu Ogura, was left to ponder what went wrong. "We weren't lucky today; we need to improve our stamina, focus, and consistency," he noted, expressing disappointment over his players' inability to secure the result after such hard work throughout the match. Earlier, Singapore thought they had claimed their own penalty after Hồ Tấn Tài's challenge on Faris Ramli, but VAR intervened to deny them.
Both teams displayed strong defensive skills, with Vietnam's Đình Triệu and Singapore's Izwan Mahbud making remarkable saves. The match's tension escalated; at one point, Singapore nearly broke through Vietnam's defense but fell short, highlighting the formidable nature of both teams.
Following the match, Kim Sang-sik praised his squad's resilience but cautioned them against complacency. "Even though we've won 2-0, we must remain cautious as we prepare for the return leg. Singapore will come back strong," he urged. The return fixture will be held at Việt Trì Stadium on December 29, 2024, where Vietnam will aim to secure their place in the finals.
Despite receiving criticism, the match showcased the tenacity and skill of Vietnam, who are ranked 114th globally, as they strive to mimic their successful AFF Cup campaign from 2018. The players' focus and determination have left fans optimistic about their chances of progressing to the final.
Both coaches also reflected on how the environment and conditions impacted their teams, as Singapore's coach Ogura remarked on the tough playing surface and weather affecting player performance. He mentioned, "Football isn't just 90 minutes; it's also about adaptation and managing unforeseen circumstances."
Looking back at the match, it is clear the intensity and stakes remain high as Vietnam prepares to face Singapore again, eager to carry momentum and aim for victory. The stage is set for what promises to be another thrilling encounter, as fans await the next chapter of this gripping semi-final round.
