Having suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Thailand in the final of the 2022 edition, Vietnam will be eager to emerge as the Southeast Asian champions for the third time in history at the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024.
With Korean tactician Kim Sang-sik as the head coach of the Golden Star Warriors, they will be hoping to continue their stellar record in the competition where they have taken part in all 14 editions and reached the semi-finals on all but two occasions.
Honours
Champions (2): 2018, 2008
Runners-up (2): 2022, 1998
Third place (2): 2002, 1996
Semi-finals (6): 2020, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2007, 2000
Tournament Highlights
Watch how 🇻🇳 claimed victory as #AFFSuzukiCup18 champions after a well taken volley by Nguyen Anh Duc! #TimeToShine #VIEvMAS
— ASEAN United FC (@aseanutdfc) December 15, 2018
Match Report: https://t.co/Q1MXLhcfXT pic.twitter.com/C2Nw4r10Xs
Vietnam reached the final of the ASEAN Championship for the first time in 1998, but were beaten to the title by Singapore in the tournament’s second edition. But Le Cong Vinh struck in both legs of the final in 2008 as Henrique Calisto’s side defeated Thailand 3-2 on aggregate to win their maiden title, with Duong Hong Son becoming just one of the two goalkeepers to be named the tournament’s most valuable player.
The Vietnamese had to wait another 10 years to get their hands on the title again, as a well-drilled side edged Malaysia 3-2 on aggregate in the 2018 final with Nguyen Anh Duc scoring the decisive goal in the second leg. Having gone within touching distance of the trophy last time out, they will be among the sides gunning for the coveted prize once again this time around.
Head Coach: Kim Sang-sik
Kim Sang-sik is a household name for Asian football fans, having played as a centre-back for clubs like Seongnam and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors as well as the Korea Republic national team during a storied playing career. He also served as the head coach of the Jeonju side for about two-and-a-half years guiding them to the K League 1 title in 2021 and a Korean FA Cup triumph the following year.
The 47-year-old joined Vietnam for his first international job in May 2024, following Philippe Troussier's departure, and began his tenure with a 3-2 win against the Philippines. But having not tasted a win in four matches since, Kim will be keen to put Vietnam back on the right track at the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024.
One To Watch: Nguyen Quang Hai
Nguyen Quang Hai continues to be the driving force that pushes the Vietnam national team forward - something he has done ever since bursting onto the scene as a 20-year-old at the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship in China PR. But his first major silverware came at the ASEAN Championship in 2018 where he emerged as the tournament’s best player.
He has since then played a central role in Vietnam's exploits at the 2019 and 2023 editions of the AFC Asian Cup, as well as going on to captain his nation. The 27-year-old will now hope to cement his status among Southeast Asia’s greatest footballers with a second regional title, having come so close to winning it two years ago.
The Legend: Le Cong Vinh
Le Cong Vinh was indeed a game changer for Vietnam in the ASEAN Championship as he scored a goal apiece in both legs of the 2008 final against Thailand to guide his nation to their maiden ASEAN crown. Overall, he scored 15 goals in six editions of the tournament between 2004 and 2016 and is still their all-time leading international goalscorer with 51 goals.
Cong Vinh played for clubs like Song Lam Nghe An, Hanoi T&T and Becamex Binh Duong in his homeland while also having loan spells at Portugal's Leixoes in 2009 and Japan's Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in 2013. Recognised with three Vietnamese Golden Ball awards, he remains a national icon in Vietnam.
Did you Know?
One of Vietnam’s greatest moments came at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup when they defeated Jordan on penalties in the last 16 to reach the quarter-finals, where they narrowly lost to Japan. Park Hang-seo’s side then went on to qualify for back-to-back editions of the continental showpiece in 2023.
Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ Fixtures
Laos vs Vietnam (9 December, 2024)
Vietnam vs Indonesia (15 December, 2024)
Philippines vs Vietnam (18 December, 2024)
Vietnam vs Myanmar (21 December, 2024)
Photo: VFF
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