Vietnam beat Thailand 2-0 to take control of ASEAN Cup final

Heavy rain before kickoff did little to diminish the intensity at Rajamangala. Under pressure from the home crowd, Vietnam began cautiously, keeping their shape compact and looking for opportunities on the counter.

Thailand dominated possession in the opening half and created the clearer chances. Seksan Ratree hit the crossbar in the 30th minute, while goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang produced an excellent save six minutes later to deny Yotsakorn Burapha.

Vietnam also threatened when Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Xuan Son looked to exploit spaces behind the Thai defence, but the visitors could not find the final touch.

Kim's changes turn the game

The pace remained high after the break, with Thailand continuing to see more of the ball. But as the hosts pushed forward in search of an opener, spaces began to appear behind their defence.

In the 58th minute, head coach Kim Sang-sik made a double substitution, bringing on Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai for Xuan Son and Thanh Long.

The changes quickly changed the course of the game.

In the 62nd minute, Hoang Duc sent a long pass forward to Dinh Bac, who produced a superb backheel to release Hai Long. The substitute kept his composure and finished neatly to put Vietnam ahead.

The goal forced Thailand to commit even more players forward, creating further space for Vietnam to exploit.

Just seven minutes later, Vietnam doubled their lead. Hoang Hen found Quang Hai, who controlled the ball before sending a superb volley past the Thai goalkeeper. The two goals came within seven minutes and completely shifted the momentum of the final.

Thailand push, Vietnam hold firm

With little left to lose, Thailand increased the pressure during the final 20 minutes, continuing to dominate possession and sending more attacks toward the Vietnamese goal.

Vietnam’s defence, however, was organised, while Patrik Le Giang made several important interventions to preserve the lead.

The visitors also continued to threaten on the counter. In the 86th minute, Dinh Bac struck the crossbar with an impressive effort that almost made it 3-0. Thailand were unable to find a way back into the match.

Vietnam therefore took a 2-0 lead into the second leg, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return at My Dinh National Stadium on August 26.

The result also extended Vietnam’s impressive record at Rajamangala. Vietnam have now beaten Thailand at the Bangkok venue in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup final, adding another memorable chapter to their rivalry.

The second leg will take place at 8 p.m. on August 26 at My Dinh National Stadium, where Thailand must overturn a two-goal deficit while Vietnam will look to protect their advantage and defend their ASEAN Cup title.

ASEAN Cup 2026 final: Vietnam and Thailand bring different strengths

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Thailand enter the ASEAN Cup 2026 final with different sources of strength, as the defending champions rely on consistency, squad depth and defensive solidity while the hosts draw confidence from Rajamangala Stadium and a young, energetic squad.