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The Golden Dragons claimed a thrilling aggregate win over Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Championship final, with a 5-3 victory across the two legs. The first match, hosted in Vietnam’s Phu Tho Province, ended 2-1 to the home team. In the return game at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium, Vietnam struck early. A swift counter-attack from a free kick in their own half saw Pham Tuan Hai break free and delicately chip the ball over the Thai goalkeeper to give Vietnam an eighth-minute lead. Pham Tuan Hai wheels away in celebration after scoring in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship final. His goal gave Vietnam an early lead over Thailand. Image credit: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Thailand responded with a quick break of their own in the 24th minute, but Nguyen Thanh Chung’s well-timed tackle halted Supachok Sarachat’s progress. However, just minutes later, Vietnam’s defense was breached. A long-range strike from Ben Davis beat the goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1. ...

The Vietnamese team fed off the energy of their passionate home crowd and started the game with intense aggression, dominating the first 15 minutes. Their relentless attacks created a flurry of opportunities, with Thailand’s goal under constant threat. An early chance fell to Bui Vi Hao in the third minute, as he rose highest for a close-range header that, unfortunately, sailed over the bar. Naturalized striker Xuan Son, of Brazilian origin, and winger Vu Van Thanh also tried their luck, but their efforts lacked the accuracy needed to break the deadlock. Thailand slowly regained their composure and started to find their rhythm, but Vietnam’s solid defensive line, led by a calm and composed backline, thwarted any meaningful attempts. The hosts continued to create chances and kept the Thai team on the back foot. In the second half, head coach Kim Sang Sik introduced playmaker Nguyen Quang Hai, which proved to be a masterstroke. Vietnam immediately looked more assured in possession...

On January 5, Vietnam clinched their third ASEAN Cup title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Thailand at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium. The match was an exhilarating display of footballing prowess and determination by both teams. Vietnamese players and coaching staff celebrate their third ASEAN Cup triumph. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times Vietnam drew first blood in the 8th minute through a skillful finish by striker Pham Tuan Hai. Thailand, however, responded strongly with two goals from Ben Davis in the 28th minute and Supachok Sarachat in the 64th, turning the game around to lead 2-1. Controversy arose when Thailand’s second goal was scored after Vietnam had put the ball out of play to attend to an injured player, expecting a return of possession from their opponents. Striker Pham Tuan Hai (number 10) celebrates his opening goal. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times The match took another turn in the 75th minute when Thai player Weerathep Pomphan received hi...