AFF Cup 2024 marked a memorable milestone for Vietnamese football as the national team clinched the championship after years of waiting. This victory is not only symbolic but also a clear indication of the team’s resurgence under Coach Kim Sang Sik, following a challenging period under Coach Philippe Troussier.
Playing Style and Personnel: Vietnam’s Dominance Over Thailand
Throughout the history of the AFF Cup, Vietnam has always been a strong contender. However, overcoming Thailand—regional powerhouse—has never been easy. Overall, Thailand showed superiority in ball control and offensive play during the two-legged final. Meanwhile, Vietnam capitalized on swift counterattacks and a solid defense to create scoring opportunities.
The home leg victory was crucial, boosting Vietnam’s confidence heading into the away leg. A key highlight was the outstanding performance of naturalized player Nguyen Xuan Son. Despite Thailand’s defensive issues in previous matches, they were unprepared for Son’s strength, leading to costly mistakes.
In the away leg, Thailand’s determination was undeniable as they relentlessly attacked to find a goal. However, Vietnam maintained their counter-attacking strategy, exploiting Thailand’s impatience and a red card for a rough foul by one of their defenders.
The Prominent Role of Nguyen Xuan Son and Balancing Domestic and Naturalized Players
Nguyen Xuan Son has proven his superior ability in the V-League and continued to shine with the national team. His contributions have been both effective and inspirational. However, the team’s heavy reliance on him needs careful consideration. When Son is unavailable due to injury or suspension, the team could face不利因素。为了确保平衡，越南国家队需要制定灵活的战略，拥有多种进攻方案。同时，协调归化球员和本土球员的结合将使球队阵容更加稳定且难以预测。特别是，灵活转换三后卫和四后卫阵型的能力也需要被重视。
Evaluating the Role of Quang Hai and Young Talents
Quang Hai, once highly anticipated, now faces stiff competition from emerging young talents. Nevertheless, his experience and class remain crucial. To maintain his position, Quang Hai must focus intensely on training and maximize every opportunity on the field.
Additionally, young players like Nguyen Van Vi and Doan Ngoc Tan have demonstrated impressive performances at the 2024 AFF Cup. This shows that the V-League remains a rich source of talent for the national team. However, to effectively leverage this potential, close collaboration between clubs and the national team in player development is necessary.
Physical Fitness and Tactics: Key Factors for Continental Aspirations
Physical fitness is more than just endurance or warm-ups; it’s a complex interplay between technique, tactics, and playing systems. To enhance fitness, the Vietnamese team needs a comprehensive training program integrating technical and tactical elements.
Under Coach Kim Sang Sik, the team has significantly improved focus in both defense and attack. He addressed several issues left by Coach Troussier, particularly in enhancing the effectiveness and flexibility of the playing style.
Towards the 2027 Asian Cup: Challenges and Opportunities
After the 2024 AFF Cup, the next target for the Vietnamese team is securing a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup. Qualifying rounds against teams like Malaysia, Nepal, and Laos are expected to be relatively easier, but this presents an opportunity to test and refine strategies. Incorporating young talents into the lineup will help build depth and increase tactical flexibility.
In conclusion, the 2024 AFF Cup championship is not only a source of pride but also a stepping stone towards bigger tournaments. With proper investment in tactics, fitness, and personnel, Vietnamese football can aspire to compete at the continental level in the future.
Source: Dantri.com.vn
