Vietnam takes first place in AFF Cup

On December 15, cheering and celebration could be heard all over Vietnam as the Vietnam Men’s Soccer Team won the AFF Championship, beating Malaysia 3-2 on aggregate and taking home the golden trophy. However, this accomplishment did not occur unexpectedly.

Throughout the tournament, the Vietnamese players performed with energy and determination in every match. They played their first match on November 12 against Malaysia, who happened to be Vietnam’s opponent in the finals. With their hard-working spirit, the Vietnamese team was not only able to bring the championship home, but they also remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, marking a truly successful year.

However, even before the AFF cup started, the Vietnamese team had won other accolades under the management of their South Korean coach, Park Hang-Seo. During this year’s Asian Games, Coach Park led the team to the quarter finals where they lost against South Korea. Despite the loss, the Vietnamese team looked at this match as an opportunity to improve their tactics. Not long after that defeat, the team travelled to play in the AFF Championship, and they played with a determination to win. They passed the group stage swiflty, defeated the Phillipines in the semi-finals and dominated the match against Malaysia in the final. They drew the first leg 2-2 and won the second leg 1-0. The captain of the vietnamese team, Quế Ngọc Hải, leaded the team to the middle of the pitch to lift the trophy into the air in triumph. After that, they continued to celebrate their achivement of being the champions of the AFF Suzuki Championship.

This remarkable achievement added to the repairment of the relationship between South Korea and Vietnam. After Vietnam’s triumph with the help of Coach Park, their relationship seems to have improved.

Vietnam’s win displays how a healthy mindset and a desire for success can impact a team. Even though they were knocked out of the Asian Games, they were more motivated to win and their success in this tournament proved just that. They have truly inspired many teams across the world with their show of passion, and their success.

Featured image- The Vietnamese soccer team celebrate their victory Photo Courtesy of vovworld.vn

by Andy Kim