On January 16th, the organizers of the AFF Cup 2024 announced the team of the tournament based on fan votes. The Vietnamese national team dominated with seven players honored, sparking much debate among fans.
Vietnam’s Dominant Presence
The Vietnamese national team made a strong impression in the AFF Cup 2024 team of the tournament, with seven players selected. Notable names include goalkeeper Đinh Triệu, defenders Bùi Tiến Dũng and Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh, midfielders Quang Hải and Hai Long, and forwards Tiến Linh and Nguyễn Xuân Son. This is the first time in the history of the AFF Cup that so many players from a single team have been honored.
Contributions from International Players
In addition to Vietnam’s dominance, the team of the tournament also featured players from other teams. Thailand had two representatives in Pansa Hemviboon and Nicholas Mickelson, both defenders. The remaining spots went to Kyoga Nakamura (Singapore) and Sandro Reyes (Philippines), both midfielders.
Controversies Surrounding the Team
The inclusion of Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh in the team of the tournament came as a surprise. The center-back only played one match for Vietnam during the AFF Cup 2024 and did not leave a significant mark. In contrast, key contributors like Thành Chung, Duy Mạnh, and Hoàng Đức were overlooked.
Deserving Names Left Out
Hoàng Đức, who played a crucial role in Vietnam’s success and had an impressive tournament, was notably absent from the team. Similarly, Suphanat Mueanta, the best young player of the tournament, also deserved recognition. The 2002-born striker scored four goals and provided five assists, alongside Xuân Son as the top scorers of the tournament with nine goals each.
Conclusion
The AFF Cup 2024 team of the tournament reflects Vietnam’s dominance but has also raised questions about the fairness of the voting process. Nonetheless, it remains a testament to the development and success of Vietnamese football on the regional stage.
