Nguyen Xuan Son delivered a masterclass performance to lead Vietnam to a crucial 2-1 triumph over Thailand in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship final at Viet Tri Stadium in northern Phu Tho Province on Thursday.

Backed by a raucous home crowd, Vietnam came out swinging, keeping Thailand on the back foot for the opening 15 minutes.

Their relentless pressure resulted in a flurry of chances, with the visitors’ goal under siege multiple times.

In the third minute, Bui Vi Hao had a golden opportunity to open the scoring, rising high for a close-range header that sailed over the bar.

Xuan Son, a naturalized striker of Brazilian origin, and winger Vu Van Thanh also fired off attempts, but their shots lacked the precision to break the deadlock.

Thailand gradually weathered the storm and started to regain control. However, Vietnam’s defensive line, led by a composed backline, thwarted any serious threats from the visitors.

The hosts even managed to create more offensive opportunities, keeping the Thais on edge.

The second half saw head coach Kim Sang Sik inject fresh energy into the squad by bringing on playmaker Nguyen Quang Hai.

The substitution paid immediate dividends as Vietnam became more confident in possession and purposeful in their attacks.

The breakthrough came in the 59th minute, when a pinpoint long ball from Quang Hai found Van Thanh on the flank, whose perfectly placed header set up Xuan Son for a clinical close-range finish that sent the stadium into a frenzy.

Xuan Son was not done. In the 73rd minute, the 1997-born forward showcased his individual brilliance, dispossessing a Thai player deep in Vietnam’s half before charging forward and unleashing a lethal left-footed strike that left goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai rooted to the spot.

Holding a two-goal cushion, Vietnam adopted a more defensive posture, aiming to preserve their lead.

Thailand, however, clawed one back in the 83rd minute, when Chalermsak Aukkee’s towering header found the back of the net.

Despite the late scare, Vietnam held firm, sealing a 2-1 victory that gives them a significant advantage heading into the return leg in Thailand three days later.

The stage is now set for an electrifying second leg, where Vietnam will aim to capitalize on their aggregate lead and claim the regional trophy.

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