On December 9, Vietnam’s national team began their ASEAN Cup 2024 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Laos at the National Stadium in Vientiane. This marks the fourth consecutive time Vietnam has faced Laos in the opening match of the tournament, and although they struggled in the first half, they came alive in the second to secure all three points.
For the first time in 16 years, Vietnam failed to score in the first half against Laos. However, similar to the 2008 AFF Cup, the team broke through in the second half, scoring four goals to take home the win. In 2008, the team, under coach Henrique Calisto, went on to win the championship, and hopes are high that coach Kim Sang-sik can replicate similar success.
The match was not an easy one, as Laos played a disciplined defensive game and pressed high when needed, denying Vietnam the space to attack effectively. Despite dominating possession with 71% in the first half and having 11 shots on goal, Vietnam struggled to find the net. On the sidelines, former coach Park Hang-seo was seen expressing concern, gesturing towards the field.
Coach Kim made several changes, including starting debutants such as defender Truong Tien Anh, midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan, Nguyen Hai Long, and Bui Vi Hao. The two young players, Hai Long and Vi Hao, created the best opportunities in the first half, though both failed to convert. Meanwhile, naturalized forward Nguyen Xuan Son, who was not eligible to play in the match, could only watch from the stands.
In the second half, coach Kim made adjustments by playing more direct balls to break down Laos’ high defensive line. This tactic paid off in the 58th minute when central defender Bui Tien Dung launched a long ball to Hai Long, who got past the defense and slotted the ball past Laos’ goalkeeper Xaysavath Souvanhnasok to open the scoring.
The goal lifted the spirits of Vietnam’s players and fans, and five minutes later, Tien Linh doubled the lead with a clinical finish after Laos’ defender Phetdavanh Somsanid lost possession in a dangerous area. This was Tien Linh’s 22nd goal for the national team, and he celebrated by putting his finger to his lips.
Vietnam added two more goals from substitutes. In the 69th minute, Nguyen Quang Hai intercepted the ball from a Laos player, then played a quick one-two with Tien Linh before setting up Van Toan, who calmly finished past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0. In the 83rd minute, left-back Nguyen Van Vi, another debutant, scored with a stunning left-footed volley from outside the box, sealing the score at 4-0.
Despite the dominant lead, Vietnam’s defense was caught off guard in injury time. A poor pass from goalkeeper Dinh Trieu inside the penalty area led to a foul by captain Do Duy Manh on Bounphachan Bounkong, giving Laos a penalty. After reviewing the situation through VAR, referee Ko Hyung-jin awarded the penalty, which was converted by Bounphachan to give Laos a consolation goal.
This goal was significant as it marked the first time in 26 years that Laos scored against Vietnam. The local fans celebrated the goal, and even some Vietnamese fans applauded the effort.
The final score of 4-1 reflected the 70 FIFA ranking gap between the two teams and provided Vietnam with a strong start to their ASEAN Cup campaign. They will have a break during the second matchday on December 12 before facing Indonesia at home in Phu Tho on December 15.
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