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Vietnam triumphed in one of the most dramatic ASEAN Cup finals in history Sunday night, defeating Thailand 3-2 in the second leg to secure their third title with a 5-3 aggregate score.
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Vietnam lift the 2024 ASEAN Cup trophy after beating Thailand in their home ground on Jan. 5, 2025. Photo by Giang Huy |
The match, played at Thailand's home ground, Rajamangala Stadium, began with both teams displaying a cautious approach.
Vietnam, however, struck early when Pham Tuan Hai broke the offside trap in the 8th minute and chipped the ball over Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai, putting Vietnam ahead 3-1 on aggregate.
Thailand equalized in the 28th minute after a defensive error by Ngoc Tan gifted Ben Davies the chance to curl in a beautiful shot from the edge of the box. The goal energized the hosts, who increased their pressure on Vietnam's defense, but the first half ended in a 1-1 draw.
The second half saw relentless action, with Thailand pulling level on aggregate in the 65th minute. In a controversial moment, Supachok Sarachat capitalized on Vietnam’s decision to play the ball out for an injured player, firing a long-range shot into the top corner. Despite protests and a VAR review, the goal stood, tying the aggregate at 3-3.
Vietnam responded in the 82nd minute when Tuan Hai's shot deflected off Thailand's Pansa Hemviboon and found the back of the net, restoring their aggregate lead at 4-3.
Thailand's hopes of a comeback were dealt a major blow in the 75th minute when Weerathep Pomphan received his second yellow card, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
As the clock ticked down, Thailand threw everything forward, including their goalkeeper. In stoppage time, Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Long capitalized on an open net, scoring a stunning goal from midfield to seal the victory at 3-2 in the second leg and 5-3 on aggregate.
The final whistle confirmed Vietnam's status as champions, marking their third ASEAN Cup title and their first since 2018. It was a night to remember for Vietnamese football, as fans celebrated a hard-fought and well-deserved triumph.
ASEAN Cup 2024 final: Thailand 2-3 Vietnam
