Vietexplorer2024

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...

Vietnam and the Philippines played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Group B encounter at the 2024 ASEAN Championship. With this result, Vietnam maintained their lead at the top of the group with seven points. Indonesia and Myanmar are hot on their heels, tied for second place with four points each, setting up an exciting conclusion to the group stage. The Philippines, sitting in fourth place with three points, are still in contention, while Laos have been eliminated. It was a dramatic game that saw Vietnam equalize in the dying moments. The Vietnamese side fielded an unfamiliar lineup and struggled to impose themselves on the game. An early penalty appeal was turned down after a VAR review, and Vietnam found themselves in a stalemate, lacking fluidity and coordination. Intense battle: Vietnamese (red jersey) and Philippine players vie for the ball. Photo: Huu Tan Their attempts on goal came from difficult positions, failing to trouble the Philippine defense. A surpri...