Tonight, January 2, the Vietnam national football team will face arch-rivals Thailand in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final at Viet Tri Stadium. With momentum on their side and the home crowd behind them, Coach Kim Sang-sik’s squad is determined to deliver a physically demanding and tactically astute performance to gain an edge before the decisive second leg in three days.
Viet Tri Stadium has emerged as a fortress for Vietnamese football, with the national team remaining unbeaten here. Vietnam has claimed dominant victories over Indonesia (1-0), Myanmar (5-0), and Singapore (3-1) during this campaign, scoring nine goals while conceding just one. The surge in ticket demand reflects the fans’ confidence in a victory against Thailand. Acknowledging this support, Coach Kim has meticulously planned a strategy to capitalize on Vietnam’s physicality and Thailand’s evident fatigue, aiming for a crucial win on home soil.
Vietnam’s Tactical Edge: Fresh Legs Against Fatigued Opponents
Coach Kim plans to exploit Thailand’s physical struggles following their grueling 120-minute semifinal against the Philippines and subsequent travel to Vietnam. Thailand’s squad is stretched thin, with striker Teerasak Poeiphimai suffering a recurring back injury and Suphanat Muenta sidelined due to illness after being rushed into action in the semifinal. These setbacks leave the “War Elephants” in a weakened state for tonight’s clash.
Kim’s rotational strategy has ensured that Vietnam’s players are well-rested and ready. Across six matches, Kim has fielded six different starting lineups, allowing all positions to have 2-3 reliable options. Key absentees Van Toan and Ho Tan Tai will be effectively replaced by versatile talents such as Ngoc Quang, Hai Long, Vi Hao, Tien Anh, and Van Thanh, who has recovered from injury. This depth contrasts sharply with Thailand’s depleted squad, giving Vietnam a significant advantage.
Confidence and Experience Balance Youthful Ambitions
Vietnam’s squad is a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers. While younger players like Dinh Trieu, Hai Long, Vi Hao, Van Khang, and Tien Anh are making their debut in a major final, they are buoyed by the leadership of experienced players such as Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, Tien Dung, Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, and Tien Linh.
The partnership of Nguyen Xuan Son and Tien Linh has been particularly lethal, with the duo contributing eight goals in Vietnam’s last three matches. Xuan Son, with five goals in three games, has been a revelation, giving Vietnam the confidence to approach tonight’s match with an attacking mindset—a rarity against Thailand in AFF Cup history.
Breaking the Thailand Curse
Thailand has long been a nemesis for Vietnam, with the latter failing to secure a win in their last seven encounters. Vietnam’s last triumph over Thailand in the AFF Cup came in 2008, also in a final. However, Thailand’s defense, having conceded seven goals in six matches, appears more vulnerable than in previous years. Additionally, their inconsistent performances against the Philippines in the semifinals have raised questions about their mental resilience.
Former Vietnam captain Le Cong Vinh remains optimistic. “Vietnam has a balanced squad with experienced players who have competed in AFF Cup finals, the Asian Cup, and World Cup qualifiers. Coach Kim has fostered a united team spirit, and the fans’ support will further motivate them. Thailand’s defense isn’t as strong as before, and their confidence has been shaken. If Vietnam plays with passion and composure, we can defeat them at Viet Tri,” he said.
A Crucial First Step
Winning tonight’s first leg would give Vietnam a significant advantage heading into the second leg at Rajamangala Stadium on January 5. With home support and superior preparation, Coach Kim’s team is well-positioned to take the fight to Thailand and edge closer to ending their six-year wait for an AFF Cup title. Fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying battle between Southeast Asia’s top footballing nations.
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