Vietnam’s Resurgence: A Remarkable Comeback Story to Lift the SE Asian Football Trophy in Thailand’s Backyard.
The Golden Dragons claimed a thrilling aggregate win over Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Championship final, with a 5-3 victory across the two legs. The first match, hosted in Vietnam’s Phu Tho Province, ended 2-1 to the home team.
In the return game at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium, Vietnam struck early. A swift counter-attack from a free kick in their own half saw Pham Tuan Hai break free and delicately chip the ball over the Thai goalkeeper to give Vietnam an eighth-minute lead.
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| Pham Tuan Hai wheels away in celebration after scoring in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship final. His goal gave Vietnam an early lead over Thailand. Image credit: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre |
Thailand responded with a quick break of their own in the 24th minute, but Nguyen Thanh Chung’s well-timed tackle halted Supachok Sarachat’s progress.
However, just minutes later, Vietnam’s defense was breached. A long-range strike from Ben Davis beat the goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1.
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| Thai players celebrate equalizing in the second leg of the final. Image credit: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre |
Unfortunately, in the 34th minute, naturalized forward Nguyen Xuan Son suffered a severe injury and had to be substituted. Vietnam’s momentum was not dampened, and they crafted a beautiful attack, resulting in a chance for Vu Van Thanh, whose effort went over the bar.
Thailand countered with a dangerous attack of their own, but the Vietnamese goalkeeper, Dinh Trieu, was equal to the task, ensuring the scores remained level at half-time.
The second half began with Tuan Hai missing a glorious opportunity to put Vietnam ahead in the 51st minute. Moments later, Ben Davis and Patrik Gustavsson combined, but the latter’s header drifted wide.
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| Thailand’s Ben Davis in action during the second leg. Image credit: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre |
Vietnam’s defense was under intense pressure, but they stood firm, with goalkeeper Dinh Trieu making crucial saves. However, in the 62nd minute, Supachok found the net with a long-range strike, giving Thailand a 2-1 lead.
Controversy surrounded the goal, as it came after the Vietnamese goalkeeper had intentionally thrown the ball out of play to allow treatment for an injured player. The Thai team chose to ignore the unwritten rule of returning possession, sparking debates about sportsmanship.
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| Vietnamese supporters cheer on their team during the thrilling second leg. Image credit: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre |
The game’s turning point came in the 75th minute when Thailand’s Weerathep Pomphan received his marching orders, reducing them to 10 men. Vietnam capitalized on their numerical advantage, and in the 82nd minute, Tuan Hai’s effort forced an own goal from Pansa Hemviboon, leveling the scores once more.
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| Vietnamese players celebrate their equalizing goal in the dying minutes of the game. Image credit: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre |
With the game heading into added time, the tension heightened. Thailand struck the crossbar in the 91st minute, and the match saw a total of 15 minutes of additional time.
In a dramatic finale, Vietnam launched a swift counter-attack, and Hai Long seized the opportunity, firing a long-range effort into an empty net to seal a memorable 3-2 victory for the Golden Dragons.
The Eternal City’s Ancient Treasures: Hanoi Restores its Centuries-Old Pagodas
The ancient Tram and Tram Gian pagodas have long been a source of spiritual solace for the people of Hanoi. With their impending restoration, these serene suburban sanctuaries will once again captivate locals and enchant visitors. The pagodas’ timeless allure, nestled amidst the bustling city’s outskirts, promises a tranquil escape—a glimpse into Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage and a testament to its enduring spiritual traditions.
Vietnamese Football’s Visionary Future: Asian Conquest and World Cup Dreams
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has high hopes for Vietnam’s national football team. He envisions them lifting the Asian championship title and qualifying for the prestigious World Cup.
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