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10.

Rewards pour in for Vietnam football team after ASEAN Cup win

‘No need to focus on Vietnam naturalized striker’: Thai defender

By Hieu Luong January 4, 2025 | 08:25 pm PT

Thai defender Jonathan Khemdee speaks to reporters at a training session on Jan. 4, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

Thailand will prioritize countering Vietnam's overall gameplay rather than focusing on naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, according to defender Jonathan Khemdee.

In the first leg at Vietnam’s Viet Tri Stadium, Brazilian-born Son scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory for Vietnam, giving them the upper hand heading into the second leg at Thailand’s Rajamangala Stadium on Sunday.

This marked Thailand's first loss on Vietnamese soil since the 1998 Tiger Cup, now known as the ASEAN Cup.

But when asked about plans to handle Son in the upcoming match, Khemdee said Thailand would not focus on Son alone.

"Vietnam is a strong team with several quality players. But we need to concentrate on countering their collective gameplay, not just one individual," he said during Thailand’s training session.

He added that the substitutions Vietnam made in the second half of the first leg resulted in their stronger performance.

The 22-year-old player with Danish heritage played in Thailand's 1-0 victory over Vietnam in the SEA Games 31 final and the 2-1 friendly win in September 2024.

The 2024 ASEAN Cup is his first major tournament with the senior national team.

Khemdee has played in five matches but suffered injuries in the first leg of the semifinals against the Philippines, where Thailand lost 2-1.

The defender fractured two teeth and sustained jaw pain. Despite lingering discomfort, he is determined to return to the field with full energy.

Fans are hopeful his 1.9-meter height will help neutralize Vietnam's star striker, Son.

Nguyen Xuan Son seen in a training session in Thailand on Jan. 4, 2025 in Thailand. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Nguyen Xuan Son seen in a training session in Thailand on Jan. 4, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

The 27-year-old, born Rafaelson Fernandes, acquired Vietnamese citizenship in September 2024. He is the first naturalized player without Vietnamese ancestry to be called up to the national team since 2009.

Khemdee said his team spent a day resting after the first leg before resuming training Saturday afternoon to prepare for the decisive second leg.

"We're not giving up. Let's see who will be crowned champions," said Khemdee. "I'm the type to stay optimistic and ready to fight. Regardless of what happens, I believe Thailand will lift the Cup."