Vietnam face Thailand with ASEAN Cup history within reach

A 2-0 victory away at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium in the first leg has given Vietnam a significant advantage as they chase a fourth ASEAN Cup title.

More importantly, victory over Thailand would allow Vietnam to achieve something they have never managed before: successfully defending their regional championship.

Vietnam have won the title three times, in 2008, 2018 and 2024, but have never retained the trophy in the following tournament.

“The players have trained hard and prepared for two months to reach the final,” said coach Kim.

“We will continue to give our best and create a memorable milestone for Vietnamese football.”

Thailand remain formidable opponents

Despite their commanding advantage, coach Kim has warned his players against complacency when they play on their home soil.

Vietnam failed to beat Thailand at the stadium in seven previous meetings, including both friendly and competitive fixtures.

Their defeats included a 2-0 loss in the first leg of the 2006 AFF Cup semi-finals, a 3-0 defeat in the second round of 2018 World Cup qualifying, and a 2-1 loss in the 2024 LPBank international friendly tournament ahead of the 2024 ASEAN Cup.

Thailand will play in Hanoi with little to lose.

With a two-goal deficit to overturn, coach Anthony Hudson’s side are expected to attack aggressively as they seek a stunning victory at My Dinh Stadium.

Hudson has also worked carefully on his players’ mentality ahead of the decisive encounter.

He urged them to remember Vietnam’s celebrations at Rajamangala and use that image as motivation to raise their performance several levels.

“I believe in my players, and I want them to believe in themselves,” he said.

“They need to be more clinical in front of goal because Vietnam’s goalkeeper is very good.

“We have studied them carefully and have a plan to deal with the pressure of the match.”

Ready to make history

With a young squad, Thailand have entered the final against Vietnam without being regarded as the stronger side.

Yet that youthful team caused Vietnam plenty of problems during the first half of the opening leg.

Had Thailand been more clinical in front of goal, the game could have taken a very different turn.

In particular, Vietnamese goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang produced an outstanding save in the 36th minute to deny Yotsakon Burapha.

That warning has ensured Vietnam remain fully focused ahead of the return leg, with players and coaching staff repeatedly stressing the need to maintain maximum concentration.

“Whether starting or coming off the bench, all players are united and want to win so we can give something back to the fans,” Nguyen Dinh Bac said.

Dinh Bac has scored five goals in seven matches and is level with Nguyen Xuan Son at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts.

Coach Kim now faces another crucial selection decision: whether to start both forwards or hold Xuan Son back and unleash him in the second half to finish off Thailand.

With the title within their grasp and history beckoning, Vietnam cannot afford to let the opportunity slip away.