Tien Linh and Xuan Son were the goalscorers for Vietnam, both demonstrating the excellent form they have displayed throughout the tournament. Their goals proved crucial in securing the win and giving Vietnam a significant advantage heading into the second leg.
With performances both sides have shown in the group stage, the Vietnamese team is rated higher than Singapore in the first leg of the semi-final despite having to play away. However, against the Lions with home field advantage, coach Kim Sang-sik's team encountered many difficulties.
Xuan Son scored a close-range goal to seal a 2-0 victory for Vietnam against Singapore on the evening of December 26.
In the first half, Vietnam had a lower ball possession rate and completed fewer passes than the host nation, Singapore. However, Vietnam created more dangerous scoring opportunities, threatening the Singaporean goal with four or five promising attacks, but failed to capitalize. Bui Vi Hao, in particular, had at least two clear chances. In the 31st minute, his close-range effort in the penalty area was saved by goalkeeper Mahbud. Then, in the 39th minute, after winning possession in the opponent's half, Vi Hao's long-range shot lacked power.
Meanwhile, striker Nguyen Xuan Son, in his second start at the 2024 ASEAN Cup, also made a strong impression. He twice created dangerous scoring opportunities, but was unfortunately caught offside on both occasions. At the end of the first half, the two teams remained scoreless, with the score at 0-0.
Entering the second half, coach Kim Sang-sik made many substitutions to create a new style of play for the Vietnamese team. On the other side, the Singapore team also started to increase the speed of the match to find a goal. In the 63rd minute, Shawal Anuar put the ball into the Vietnamese net, but was also caught offside before that.
In the final minutes, Nguyen Xuan Son demonstrated excellent pressing and a well-executed volley that beat the Singaporean goalkeeper. However, after consulting with the VAR and reviewing the slow-motion replay, the referee disallowed the goal, ruling that Xuan Son had handled the ball in the preceding play.
Deep into stoppage time (90+8 minutes), a handball by a Singaporean defender inside the penalty area resulted in a penalty kick for Vietnam. Taking advantage of this valuable opportunity, Nguyen Tien Linh successfully kicked the ball into the opponent's net to open the score for the Vietnamese team.
The opening goal energized the Vietnamese team, leading to a more effective performance. Just minutes later, in the 90+13th minute, Xuan Son capitalized on a corner kick to double Vietnam's lead. The 2-0 victory over Singapore gives Coach Kim Sang-sik's side a significant advantage heading into the second leg of the semi-final, putting them in a strong position to reach the final.
Speaking to the media after the match, Coach Kim Sang-sik acknowledged the difficulties his Vietnamese team faced despite their 2-0 victory over Singapore in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-final. He emphasized the need for continued focus and caution heading into the second leg, scheduled for the evening of December 29th at Phu Tho Stadium.
The Korean coach said: "My players struggled to adapt to both the weather and the pitch. We faced significant challenges in the first half. However, adjustments to personnel and tactics at halftime allowed us to improve our performance, particularly towards the end of the match".
In particular, in this emotional match, the Korean coach also expressed his satisfaction with his players because the Vietnamese players quickly put aside their frustration with the referee's decision to stay focused and try until the last minutes to win.
Thuy Duong