HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s men national football team are the centre of praise from international media after their 3-2 aggregate victory in the final of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup against Malaysia on Saturday at Mỹ Đình National Stadium.

Sports writer Michael Church from Reuters wrote: “Việt Nam won the Asean Football Federation Championship for the first time in a decade as Nguyễn Anh Đức’s volley secured a 1-0 win over Malaysia in the second leg of the final in Hà Nội on Saturday for a 3-2 aggregate triumph.

“Việt Nam last won the regional title in 2008 and Anh Đức’s fine first-half strike ensured Park Hang-seo’s side overcame a robust Malaysia team to send the majority of the sold-out crowd at the Mỹ Đình Stadium into raptures.”

Meanwhile, AP said: “The win showed the progress made by Việt Nam since Park Hang-seo became head coach.”

Malaysia’s New Straits Times had to admit ‘The Golden Dragons’ were determined to press their home advantage early on and Đức took the lead when he volleyed from close range after only six minutes.

Several reports from the home country of coach Park Hang-seo shared their congratulations and excitement over the victory, as the daily Chosunilbo of South Korea commended the “unbeatable” volley from Anh Đức.   

According to a Việt Nam News Agency reporter based in Kuala Lumpur, goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm’s inspiring performance earned him rave reviews in Malaysia publications.

With the pride of winning the trophy, the team also secured sizeable monetary rewards. 

Besides the $300,000 for the winning team, Hải received $10,000 for the title ‘Best Player of the Tournament’, while Đức was rewarded $43,000 from mobile network operator Vinaphone. 

Previously, in the first leg of the final of AFF Cup at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Vinaphone gave $43,000 to central midfielder Nguyễn Huy Hùng after he scored a goal for Việt Nam.

Trường Hải Auto Corporation (Thaco) has given away $86,000 to the team and $50,000 to the coach, while securities firm Apec Group announced its reward for Đức as a house in Phú Yên Province worth $51,600.

Meanwhile, Be Car App of Be Group Start-up Company gave the team $86,000, and all members of the team and training board can use the app for free for a year.

Other corporations gave away $172,100 in total, while the Việt Nam Football Federation rewarded $133,400 to the team.

Under the Government’s regulation, each player will receive $1,900.

Therefore, to date, the team has received in cash $860,900 in total. Previously, after the run to the final of the U23 Asian Championships, they were rewarded $2,199,650 in total. — VNS