Vietnam broke their 27-year winless streak at home against Thailand with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final at Viet Tri Stadium on Thursday.
Nguyen Xuan Son emerged as the hero for the hosts, scoring a brace that gave Vietnam the advantage heading into the second leg in Bangkok.
Son showcased his prowess throughout the game, using his strength and pressing ability to trouble Thailand’s defense. After a tense first half where both teams created chances but failed to convert, Son broke the deadlock in the second half. Quang Hai delivered a precise pass down the left flank to Van Thanh, who headed it to Son. The striker timed his jump perfectly, heading the ball cleanly past Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai.
Son struck again later with a solo effort. Winning the ball near the Thai penalty area, he dribbled past multiple defenders on the left and unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner, doubling Vietnam’s lead and sending the home crowd into raptures.
Thailand, the defending champions, refused to go down quietly. A lapse in Vietnam’s defense allowed Chalermsak Aukkee to rise above the pack and head in a well-placed cross, cutting the deficit. Earlier in the game, Thailand had hit the bar from a free kick, narrowly missing an opportunity to level the score.
Despite Thailand’s late push, including a series of dangerous set pieces and counterattacks, Vietnam’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu made several key saves, while Vietnam’s backline thwarted multiple Thai attempts to equalize.
Though Thailand dominated possession, Vietnam made the most of their chances, outshooting their opponents and creating more clear-cut opportunities.
In the dying minutes, Vietnam introduced Nguyen Tien Linh in search of a third goal, but Thailand’s defense managed to hold off further damage.
Vietnam’s victory puts them in a strong position for the second leg at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Sunday. However, Thailand’s away goal keeps their hopes alive, and they will look to capitalize on their home advantage. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the ASEAN Cup final, with both teams vying for regional supremacy.
Vietnam's naturalized striker is the contender for the tournament's top scorer. He has scored seven goals, more than his teammate Nguyen Tien Linh, Thailand's Suphanat Muenta and Singapore's Shawal Anuar who have scored four goals each.
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