Vietnam Clinches ASEAN Cup Title with Thrilling 3-2 Win over Thailand
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
Vietnam has emerged as the champion of the 2024 ASEAN Championship, defeating defending champions Thailand 3-2 in the second-leg final at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
Early Goal Sets the Tone
The visitors, Vietnam, began the match with a determined approach, and it was midfielder Pham Tuan Hai who scored the opening goal in the eighth minute. Tuan Hai cleverly lobbed the ball past Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai, silencing the hostile crowd at the Rajamangala Stadium.
Thailand Pushes Back
Following Tuan Hai’s goal, Thailand intensified their attack, creating several chances through midfielders Suphanat Mueanta and Benjamin James Davis. The pressure paid off momentarily as Thailand’s equalizer came in the 28th minute after a mistake by a Vietnamese defender, who passed the ball directly into the path of Davis. Davis skillfully curled the ball past Vietnam goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu.
Injury Hits Vietnam
However, Vietnam’s prolific striker Rafaelson Fernandes, also known as Nguyen Xuan Son, had a disappointing evening as he was stretchered off the pitch due to a leg injury, prematurely ending his game in the 33rd minute.
Second Half Drama
Both teams adopted a more cautious approach in the second half, but Thailand’s Supachok Sarachat curled a stunning goal in the 64th minute to level the aggregate score. However, the night did not belong to the hosts as Thailand was reduced to 10 men after Weerathep Pomphun received his second yellow card in the 74th minute.
Vietnam Capitalizes on Numerical Advantage
Vietnam capitalized on their numerical advantage, creating several opportunities that culminated in an own goal by Thai defender Pansa Hemviboon in the 82nd minute. The Golden Dragons sealed the victory in extra time when Nguyen Hai Long slotted the ball into an empty net after Thailand had pushed all their players forward in a desperate attack.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s 3-2 win over Thailand has secured their second ASEAN Cup title, cementing their position as one of the top teams in Southeast Asia. The victory is a testament to the team’s determination and skill, and they will look to build on this success in future tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who won the 2024 ASEAN Championship?
A: Vietnam won the 2024 ASEAN Championship, defeating Thailand 3-2 in the second-leg final.
Q: Who scored the opening goal for Vietnam?
A: Pham Tuan Hai scored the opening goal for Vietnam in the eighth minute.
Q: Who was stretchered off the pitch due to injury?
A: Rafaelson Fernandes, also known as Nguyen Xuan Son, was stretchered off the pitch due to a leg injury in the 33rd minute.
Q: Who scored the equalizing goal for Thailand?
A: Supachok Sarachat curled a stunning goal in the 64th minute to level the aggregate score.