Viet Nam have made an almost perfect step towards successfully defending their ASEAN Cup title after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Thailand in the first leg of the final at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on August 22.
As expected, the first half was a tightly contested affair, with Viet Nam adopting a disciplined defensive approach, maintaining compact lines and engaging the hosts in fierce midfield battles. Both sides created opportunities, but neither could find the breakthrough before the interval.
The pace quickened after the restart as Thailand showed an early determination to capitalise on home advantage and find a goal as quickly as possible. Just over 10 minutes into the second half, head coach Kim Sang-sik of Viet Nam made a double substitution, bringing on Nguyen Quang Hai and Hai Long for Nguyen Xuan Son and Thanh Long.
In the 62nd minute, Viet Nam launched a counter-attack, with a long ball played forward to Dinh Bac. He produced a deft backheel to release Hai Long, who calmly finished to put Viet Nam ahead.
Seven minutes later, Hoang Hen delivered a superb pass for Quang Hai, who struck a magnificent volley to double Viet Nam’s lead.
Thailand pushed forward relentlessly in the remaining minutes, but the hosts could not alter the scoreline, with Viet Nam goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang producing a series of outstanding saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The two sides will meet again in the second leg of the final at Ha Noi’s My Dinh National Stadium on August 26.
