The Vietnamese team fed off the energy of their passionate home crowd and started the game with intense aggression, dominating the first 15 minutes.
Their relentless attacks created a flurry of opportunities, with Thailand’s goal under constant threat.
An early chance fell to Bui Vi Hao in the third minute, as he rose highest for a close-range header that, unfortunately, sailed over the bar.
Naturalized striker Xuan Son, of Brazilian origin, and winger Vu Van Thanh also tried their luck, but their efforts lacked the accuracy needed to break the deadlock.
Thailand slowly regained their composure and started to find their rhythm, but Vietnam’s solid defensive line, led by a calm and composed backline, thwarted any meaningful attempts.
The hosts continued to create chances and kept the Thai team on the back foot.
In the second half, head coach Kim Sang Sik introduced playmaker Nguyen Quang Hai, which proved to be a masterstroke.
Vietnam immediately looked more assured in possession and their attacks had a new-found purpose.
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| Vietnamese players erupt in celebration after scoring a goal during the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship final against Thailand at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho Province, January 2, 2025. Photo by Hoang Tung |
The game’s turning point came in the 59th minute when a precise long ball from Quang Hai found Van Thanh on the flank, whose perfectly weighted header set up Xuan Son for a clinical finish, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Xuan Son wasn’t finished yet. In the 73rd minute, he displayed his individual brilliance, winning the ball deep in Vietnam’s half before embarking on a mazy run and unleashing an unstoppable left-footed strike that left the Thai goalkeeper with no chance.
With a comfortable two-goal lead, Vietnam shifted their focus to defending their advantage.
Thailand pulled one back in the 83rd minute through Chalermsak Aukkee’s powerful header, setting up a tense finish.
However, Vietnam held on for a famous 2-1 victory, giving them a crucial lead ahead of the second leg in Thailand three days later.
The stage is now set for an exciting conclusion to this regional championship, with Vietnam well-positioned to lift the trophy.
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