Vietnam Secures Spot in 2024 ASEAN Championship Final with Dominant Win Over Singapore
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam has qualified for the 2024 ASEAN Championship final after an impressive 3-1 victory over Singapore at the Việt Trì Stadium, Phú Thọ, on Sunday. The aggregate score of 5-1 underscored Vietnam’s dominance in the semifinal clash.
The match, characterized by dramatic VAR interventions, saw newly naturalized star Nguyễn Xuân Son score a brace. Singapore’s Kyoga Nakamura briefly revived hopes with a stunning goal, but Nguyễn Tiến Linh’s late penalty sealed Vietnam’s ticket to the final for the second consecutive tournament.
Despite a promising start by Singapore, VAR disallowed an early goal for offside, setting the tone for a night of contentious decisions. In the first half, VAR awarded Vietnam a penalty after Singapore’s Lionel Tan was found pulling Xuân Son’s shirt inside the box. Xuân Son converted the penalty with composure, giving Vietnam a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Vietnam assert their dominance. Xuân Son tapped in his second goal in the 65th minute after a brilliant assist from Nguyễn Hoàng Đức. Singapore managed to respond with Nakamura’s solo effort in the 76th minute, but their defensive lapses proved costly. Late in the match, Vietnam earned another penalty, which Tiến Linh converted, securing the final scoreline.
Vietnam’s win sets up a highly anticipated final against either Thailand or the Philippines. The first leg will take place at Việt Trì Stadium on January 2, 2025, followed by the second leg at the opponent’s venue on January 5.
With both Nguyễn Xuân Son and Nguyễn Tiến Linh leading the golden boot race, Vietnam enters the final with momentum and confidence.
