The Vietnamese national football team has embarked on their quest for glory at the ASEAN Cup 2024, as they prepare to take on hosts Singapore on December 26. Fresh from their impressive 5-0 victory over Myanmar, the team's spirits are high, firmly securing their top position in Group B and earning their deserved place in the semi-finals.
On December 23, the entire team traveled to Singapore, where they planned to rest before heading to the training ground later the same day. The atmosphere is reportedly upbeat, with players showing confidence and excitement. "La sélection, fraîche d'une impressionnante victoire 5-0 contre le Myanmar le 21 décembre, a confirmé sa position en tête du Groupe B, rendant sa qualification en demi-finale pleinement méritée," noted representatives from the Vietnamese national team. This victory not only solidified their standings but also set the tone for the challenges they will face next.
The semifinal is scheduled for 20:26 at Jalan Besar Stadium, which has been temporarily selected due to scheduling conflicts with other events at the larger National Stadium. This venue typically holds around 6,000 fans and features artificial turf, presenting unique challenges for the Vietnamese players, who are accustomed to natural grass.
Despite the change of venue, the team remains undeterred. Their focus is on maintaining the positive momentum from their last game. Player morale is boosted, particularly with the performances from key players like naturalized forward Nguyen Xuan Son, who scored two goals and provided two assists against Myanmar. "Toute l’équipe semblait excitée et confiante avant ce match important," reported Dan Tri, reflecting the overall vibe within the squad.
Notably, Van Toan joins his teammates to keep the squad united, even though he is nursing ligament injuries. His presence indicates the team’s resolve to face their opponents together, intent on continuing their winning streak. The historic rivalry between Vietnam and Singapore adds additional stakes to this encounter. The last time Singapore defeated Vietnam was back during the Tiger Cup final of 1998, and since then, Singapore has not been able to claim victory against the 'Golden Dragon' in 14 consecutive matches.
Fans' enthusiasm for the upcoming match is palpable. Tickets for the home match on December 29 against another opponent sold out within 15 minutes, highlighting the dedication and fiery support from Vietnamese supporters. The ticket prices ranged from 300,000 to 600,000 VND, yet their rapid sale showcased the fans' eagerness to cheer on their team.
The ASEAN Football Federation Cup, recently rebranded as the ASEAN Cup, features ten teams divided across two groups, with matches held both home and away. Teams compete for top positions to advance to the knockout stages, heightening the competition's intensity. The matches following the semifinals will be played over two legs, and without the away goals rule, the tensions are expected to run high.
All eyes will be on Vietnam as they advance to the pitch at Jalan Besar. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this resurgence leads to more success and if they can maintain their historic unbeaten streak against the host nation. The upcoming semi-final promises to be more than just another game; it’s about pride, regional supremacy, and the quest for silverware.
Stay tuned for more updates on this promising campaign as Vietnam vies for glory on the ASEAN Cup stage!
