Việt Nam’s Đỗ Hoàng Hên (No 10) battles past a Thai defender. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam took a major step towards successfully defending their ASEAN Cup title after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Thailand in the first leg of the final at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on August 22.

As expected, the first half was a tightly contested affair, with Việt Nam adopting a disciplined defensive approach, maintaining compact lines and engaging the hosts in fierce midfield battles. Both sides created opportunities, but neither could find a breakthrough before the interval.

The pace quickened after the restart as Thailand showed early intent to capitalise on their home advantage. In the 58th minute, Việt Nam head coach Kim Sang-sik made a double substitution, bringing on Nguyễn Quang Hải and Nguyễn Hai Long for Nguyễn Xuân Son and Lê Phạm Thành Long.

In the 62nd minute, Việt Nam launched a counter-attack, with a long ball played forward to Nguyễn Đình Bắc. He produced a deft backheel to release Hai Long, who calmly finished to put Việt Nam ahead.

Seven minutes later, Đỗ Hoàng Hên delivered a superb cross for Quang Hải, who struck a magnificent volley to double Việt Nam’s lead.

Thailand pushed forward relentlessly in the remaining minutes, but could not find a way through, with Việt Nam goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang producing a series of outstanding saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The two sides will meet again in the second leg of the final at Hà Nội’s Mỹ Đình National Stadium on August 26. VNS