Coach Park Hang-seo made Nguyen Huy Hung and Do Hung Dung as midfielders in the final match of the tournament. Nguyen Anh Duc (on the right) started for Vietnam after being absent in the first leg.
Duc vindicated Park’s decision by scoring with a wonderful volley in the sixth minute. Nguyen Quang Hai did a great cross.
The goal meant that Malaysia had to score two more goals without letting Vietnam add to its score to win the tournament.
On the stand, the fans' celebrations were unrestrained, as though Vietnam had won the trophy. They'd waited 10 years for this moment. Vietnam last won the AFF Cup in 2008.
Malaysia’s Mohamadou Sumareh almost equalized for Malaysia, with his back heel kick cleared inches away from the net.
Do Hung Dung responded with a long shot soon after.
The early goal helped Vietnam launch more counterattacks as they had made it very difficult for their opponents to get back in the match.
Nguyen Huy Hung as the defensive midfielder of Vietnam did a commendable job, intercepting and starting several counter attacks.
The referee issued a total of 12 yellow cards in this game, six for each team.
Coach Park and his assistant went to the edge of the pitch constantly, gesturing and shouting instructions.
In the second half, Malaysia went on the offensive. Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam had an excellent game, making two great saves, one from a free kick and another from a header.
Vietnam's defense stayed focused after the two dangerous shots. Five players were always ready in the box, creating a wall that proved impregnable.
Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, who substituted for Nguyen Anh Duc, had the chance to double the score for Vietnam, but could not beat the Malaysian goalkeeper.
The single goal ended Vietnam's 10-year wait for their second AFF Cup title.
Dang Van Lam cries as the referee blows the final whistle.
His team was unbeaten in the tournament, scoring 15 goals and conceding just four.
Photos by Lam Thoa, Duc Dong, Ngoc Thanh, Giang Huy
