Brian Jeffrey
Vietnam’s victory in the 2024 ASEAN Cup (AFF Cup) has solidified their ambitions for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.
Historic Success Against Thailand: A Milestone Moment
Vietnam achieved a historic feat by defeating their long-time rival Thailand twice in consecutive matches. These victories were particularly impactful as they occurred during the finals of Southeast Asia’s premier football tournament.
In the first match, Vietnam emerged victorious with a 2-1 score, thanks to two goals from Nguyen Xuan Son. The return match saw Vietnam triumph again with a score of 3-2, despite complaints from the Thai side regarding the refereeing.
Vietnam faced adversity when Xuan Son was injured early in the second match, with the score tied at 1-1. Nevertheless, the team, led by coach Kim Sang Sik, demonstrated extraordinary resilience in a challenging away environment, ultimately securing the championship.
In addition to tactical skill, the players displayed an unwavering fighting spirit, holding their ground until the final whistle. A controversial goal from Thailand’s Supachok added an extra layer of intensity to the already thrilling match.
These consecutive wins over Thailand not only restored Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup title but also boosted their confidence in the lead-up to the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Vietnam’s Journey Ahead
Vietnam finds itself in Group F of the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, competing against Laos, Nepal, and Malaysia. Among these teams, Malaysia stands out as the main contender for the sole direct qualification spot.
Malaysia has bolstered its team by naturalizing several players of Dutch origin, enhancing their competitive edge. However, their true capabilities will unfold over time. For Vietnam, the focus will be on effective preparation and leveraging the momentum gained from their ASEAN Cup success.
Despite the absence of key players like Xuan Son and Ho Tan Tai due to injuries, the team possesses increased tactical depth and spirit from their recent achievements.
Coach Kim Sang Sik emphasized that their ASEAN Cup victory is just the beginning, as he aims even higher, envisioning a future where Vietnam can compete in the FIFA World Cup.
With a realistic and systematic approach, the South Korean coach is crafting a bold and ambitious strategy for Vietnam’s progression in the international football arena.
Dai Nam
