Vietnam’s triumph at the 2024 ASEAN Cup (AFF Cup) has provided a strong foundation for the team’s quest to secure a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Historic wins against Thailand: A turning point

For the first time in history, Vietnam defeated arch-rival Thailand twice in a row. The Golden Star Warriors’ victories were even more significant as they came in the finals of Southeast Asia’s biggest football tournament.

In the first leg, Vietnam secured a 2-1 win, with Nguyen Xuan Son scoring both goals. The second leg saw Thailand fall 2-3 at home, leaving them with little to say except complaints about refereeing decisions.

Vietnam faced a major setback when Xuan Son suffered a serious injury in the 32nd minute, with the match tied 1-1 at the time. However, despite playing in a hostile atmosphere in Thailand, coach Kim Sang Sik’s players held their ground, showing resilience and determination to claim the championship.

Beyond tactical brilliance, Vietnam showcased unwavering spirit, with players fighting until the last minute. Thailand’s Supachok even sparked controversy with a questionable goal, adding further drama to the hard-fought contest.

Vietnam’s two consecutive victories over Thailand were not just about reclaiming the ASEAN Cup crown but also building confidence for the road ahead, particularly in their campaign for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Asian Cup 2027 qualification: Vietnam’s path forward

Vietnam is placed in Group F of the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, alongside Laos, Nepal, and Malaysia. Among these, Malaysia poses the biggest challenge as the main competitor for the only direct qualification spot.

Malaysia has recently naturalized several Dutch-born players, strengthening their squad significantly. However, their actual strength remains to be tested over time. For Vietnam, the key will be thorough preparation and maintaining their momentum from the ASEAN Cup victory.

While Vietnam enters the qualifiers without Xuan Son and Ho Tan Tai (out for eight months), and possibly Van Toan, the team has gained valuable assets in terms of tactics, squad depth, and fighting spirit.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has made it clear: winning the ASEAN Cup was just the beginning. His long-term vision extends beyond Asian Cup qualification to an even bigger dream - reaching the FIFA World Cup.

However, the South Korean strategist remains realistic and methodical, shaping a serious and ambitious roadmap for Vietnam’s continued rise in international football.

Dai Nam