On the evening of January 1, Vietnam’s national football team encountered a security issue during their final training session ahead of the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final against Thailand. The session, held at Viet Tri Stadium, was disrupted when a group of individuals attempted to capture unauthorized footage of the team.
As part of the routine pre-match preparations, the training session allowed Vietnam’s players to familiarize themselves with the pitch, with an hour allocated by tournament organizers. However, the session was interrupted when three individuals climbed onto the scoreboard structure to livestream and photograph the practice. The stadium’s security team quickly intervened, preventing any further leaks of tactical information.
According to regulations set by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and tournament organizers, media personnel with official press credentials are only permitted to record or photograph the first 10 minutes of official training sessions. After this period, practices are conducted behind closed doors under strict security measures to protect tactical confidentiality and maintain player focus.
Final Preparations Underway
Despite the incident, Vietnam completed their preparations for the crucial first leg against Thailand, which kicks off at 8:00 p.m. on January 2. With the exception of injured players Van Toan and Ho Tan Tai, Coach Kim Sang-sik has a full squad of 24 players at his disposal for this decisive match.
Vietnam enters the final on a high note, having topped a challenging group that included Indonesia and the Philippines, followed by an emphatic semifinal victory over Singapore. The team is brimming with confidence as they aim to end a six-year wait for an AFF Cup title.
Thailand: A Formidable Obstacle
However, Thailand remains a daunting opponent for Vietnam. Over the past seven encounters, Vietnam has failed to secure a win, including four matches in the AFF Cup 2020 and 2022, where they recorded three draws and one loss. Scoring against Thailand has also proven difficult, with Vietnam failing to find the net in three of those matches.
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Coach Kim Sang-sik described Thailand as a “great mountain” for Vietnam to conquer. “But no mountain is insurmountable. I hope to lead the team to new heights and bring joy to our fans. I believe our players will rise to the occasion,” he said.
Since taking over as head coach, Kim has successfully guided Vietnam to the AFF Cup final, achieving his first goal for the team. The second objective—defeating Thailand—remains a formidable task. Vietnam’s last victory over Thailand in the AFF Cup came in the 2008 final, when they secured a famous win in the first leg at Rajamangala Stadium.
The Stage is Set
Vietnam’s journey to the final has rekindled hope among fans eager to see the team reclaim regional glory. However, the challenge posed by Thailand’s tactical discipline and historical dominance cannot be underestimated. With meticulous preparation and the unwavering support of home fans at Viet Tri Stadium, Vietnam will look to break their winless streak against their fierce rivals and take a vital step toward lifting the AFF Cup 2024 trophy.
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