Vietnam at ASEAN Cup: A historic journey, full of emotion and pride

A courageous journey

Following disappointing results earlier in 2024, many had expressed doubts when the Vietnam national team began their campaign in the year’s final tournament — the ASEAN Cup (formerly known as the AFF Cup). However, when the final whistle sounded, millions of Vietnamese hearts beat as one with pride and jubilation. The Vietnam national team had made history by claiming a convincing victory in the region’s most prestigious tournament.

This glorious journey could be likened to an epic, where the men in the “red jerseys with golden stars” fought with heart, talent, courage, and unwavering determination.

Under the guidance of Korean coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam not only maintained their solid defensive style but also demonstrated varied and incisive attacking play. Six years since their 2018 championship, the “Golden Star Warriors” brilliantly ascended to the summit of Southeast Asian football with a historic unbeaten record: seven victories and one draw.

In the group stage, Vietnam defeated Laos 4-1, Indonesia 1-0, drew with the Philippines 1-1, and beat Myanmar 5-0. In the semi-finals, the team defeated Singapore in both legs to advance to the final.

The final opponent was none other than their formidable rivals, Thailand. However, with tireless fighting spirit, Vietnam managed to secure a 2-1 victory in the first leg at Viet Tri Stadium. In the second leg, under pressure from over 50,000 spectators in Rajamangala Stadium, Kim Sang-sik’s side once again proved their mettle by securing a dramatic 3-2 away victory. Dethroning Thailand with an aggregate score of 5-3 over the two-legged final, Vietnam claimed their third ASEAN Cup title.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presents the first-class Labour Order to the national football team. (Photo: Tran Hai)

The mark of warriors

Behind the prestigious trophy lie months of gruelling training, team unity, and an unyielding spirit. The “Golden Star Warriors” proved that with character and belief, all challenges can be overcome. The seamless integration of newcomers like Doan Ngoc Tan, Nguyen Van Vi, Bui Vi Hao, Hai Long, and Xuan Son along with seasoned veterans such as Duy Manh, Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Tien Linh, Bui Tien Dung, and Thanh Chung created a formidable and united squad.

This marks the first time Vietnam has claimed the tournament’s most prestigious individual honours, with Nguyen Dinh Trieu winning “Best Goalkeeper”. Meanwhile, Nguyen Xuan Son claimed both the “Golden Boot” and “Most Valuable Player” awards.

During this campaign, the fresh breeze that was Nguyen Xuan Son brought numerous exciting innovations to the Vietnam team. Despite only beginning to play in the final group match and later suffering an injury in the first half of the second-leg final, the impact of the naturalised Brazilian-born player is undisputed. With seven goals and two assists in just five matches, Xuan Son became Vietnam’s highest scorer in a single ASEAN Cup. Moreover, his harmony and camaraderie with teammates, alongside the manager’s trust, helped the team perform effectively and achieve success.

The touching moments when Kim Sang-sik awarded Xuan Son his gold medal as he lay on a stretcher and when Duy Manh and his teammates brought the trophy to him at the airport left Xuan Son visibly emotional, quickly wiping away tears while smiling happily. Supporters across the nation have come to respect and admire naturalised player Nguyen Xuan Son. On social media, many expressed concerns and wished for the Vietnamese striker’s swift recovery. Additionally, images of Xuan Son watching the match and continuing to support his teammates from hospital stirred strong emotions. Xuan Son’s sacrifice and the team’s brave performance have become beautiful symbols of unity, fighting spirit and patriotism.

The fresh talent Nguyen Xuan Son. (Photo: Thanh Dat)

Hopes for the future

“I would like to congratulate the Vietnam national team on becoming the 2024 AFF Cup champions. I extend my gratitude to head coach Kim Sang-sik, the coaching staff, players and VFF officials. You have worked tremendously hard and truly deserve this achievement... However, I believe it’s time for Vietnamese football to aim beyond Southeast Asian objectives. Let’s target new milestones in Asian football. I believe you can achieve this.” This was shared on the personal Facebook page of former coach Park Hang-seo, who had previously achieved success and left a positive impression on Vietnamese football.

The 2024 ASEAN Cup has marked a milestone in Vietnamese football history and ushered in a promising new era under Kim Sang-sik. He arrived when Vietnamese football was in decline and faced scepticism from both supporters and experts. After a series of unconvincing matches, questions arose about this Korean strategist’s capabilities.

Faced with wavering confidence, Kim Sang-sik overcame the pressure and demonstrated his expertise. With a congested fixture list, constant travel significantly affected the players’ fitness. Kim and his coaching staff implemented sensible rotation, scientifically alternating the lineup to maintain performance levels.

Unlike in Park Hang-seo’s era, Kim Sang-sik didn’t rely on a fixed starting eleven. Key players like Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Duy Manh, and Nguyen Filip were all used as substitutes. This flexibility helped the team adapt to different opponents, reduced physical and mental strain, prevented serious injuries, and created unpredictability. Notably, he utilised 25 of the 26 registered players, excluding only goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien. This comprehensive use of the squad not only helped maintain fitness but also provided opportunities for each player to demonstrate their abilities.

Kim Sang-sik has achieved his first triumph with Vietnamese football, which serves as motivation for more ambitious goals, such as the 2027 Asian Cup or the World Cup dream. The country erupted in celebration after the final whistle, with millions of supporters across the country taking to the streets, waving national flags and chanting “Vietnam are the champions”. This achievement not only lifts the gloom that had settled over domestic football after two disappointing years in international competitions but also symbolises national spirit.

In his commendation letter to the Vietnam national football team, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated: “This victory is not only the pride of Vietnamese sport but also an inspiration for the entire nation, demonstrating our aspiration to progress and creating motivation and inspiration to conquer new heights in an era of strong, civilised and prosperous national development.”