In an emotional gathering at the Government Office on January 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh celebrated the Vietnam national football team’s historic AFF Cup 2024 triumph. The team returned from Thailand, bringing home the trophy after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Thailand in the second leg of the final, securing a 5-3 aggregate win.
A Historic Journey to Victory
Reporting to the Prime Minister, team leader Tran Anh Tu, Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), highlighted the team’s rigorous preparation for the tournament. Despite limited time, the squad convened in late November 2024 and, over just six weeks, played 11 matches, including three friendlies in South Korea and eight official fixtures. The campaign culminated in 10 wins and one draw, showcasing the team’s unity and determination.
“Coach Kim Sang-sik has not only demonstrated exceptional expertise but has also inspired every player to unleash their potential and commit wholeheartedly to the team,” Tu noted. He also expressed gratitude to the fans, VFF, and government leaders, whose support, including personal visits and messages from the Prime Minister, motivated the team throughout the tournament.
Acknowledgment of Team Efforts and Leadership
Coach Kim Sang-sik thanked the government, the Prime Minister, and fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing that the team’s achievements were the result of collective effort and nationwide backing. He pledged that the team would continue striving for greater success, guided by the pride and unity that brought them this victory.
Team captain Do Duy Manh shared his emotions, expressing pride in representing Vietnam and dedicating the championship to the people. “This victory belongs to the people of Vietnam and our nation,” he declared, presenting Prime Minister Chinh with an AFF Cup gold medal as a token of gratitude.
Celebrating Record-Breaking Achievements
Prime Minister Chinh commended the team for their exceptional performance and highlighted the significance of their journey. “This is the first time we’ve brought the Southeast Asian championship trophy back from abroad,” he remarked. Vietnam concluded the tournament with an unbeaten record of seven wins and one draw, scoring 21 goals — a joint record in the AFF Cup’s 29-year history.
Individual accolades further elevated the team’s achievement. Nguyen Xuan Son claimed both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards, while goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu was named the Best Goalkeeper. The Prime Minister attributed these successes to the team’s dedication, the unity of the Vietnamese people, and the leadership of the Party and sports organizations.
Looking to the Future
While celebrating this historic victory, Prime Minister Chinh urged the team and Vietnam’s sports community not to rest on their laurels. He called for continuous effort to develop elite sports and achieve greater milestones, including winning the Asian championship and participating in the World Cup.
“The taste of victory will linger, but we must remain focused on the challenges ahead,” he emphasized. The Prime Minister expressed his hope that the team’s triumph would inspire the entire nation to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve excellence in all fields.
A Message of Support and Hope
Prime Minister Chinh extended special well wishes to injured players, including Xuan Son, Tan Tai, and Van Toan, wishing them a speedy recovery. He praised Xuan Son’s dedication to Vietnam and expressed confidence in their resilience. “With determination and strength, you will return stronger and continue to contribute to the national team and elevate Vietnamese football on the regional and global stage,” he affirmed.
This victory, he concluded, is not only a celebration of football but a testament to the unity, resilience, and spirit of Vietnam, inspiring progress and ambition in every field.
Leave a Reply