On the evening of December 9, the Vietnamese team won 4-1 against Laos in the opening match of the ASEAN Cup (formerly known as AFF Cup) 2024.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's players had a hard time in the first half as they were unable to break through the opponent's defense. It was not until the second half that Hai Long, Tien Linh, Van Toan and Van Vi scored for Vietnam.
Laos also scored a goal from Bounphachan's penalty spot.
Sharing after the match, Tien Linh said: "This is the first match and the whole team has tried hard. Today, the Laos team showed clear progress in their playing style. In the first half, they played well at home. In the second half, the Vietnamese team controlled the game well and scored. If Laos keeps their spirit, they will go far in the future."
The striker born in 1997 emphasized: "We will do better against Indonesia in the next match. The match against this opponent is the most important in the group stage, deciding the top position in Group B. The whole team will rest and prepare best for the match against Indonesia at home."
According to the schedule, tomorrow (December 10), the Vietnamese team will return home and travel to Phu Tho. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will have a break in the second match, before facing the Indonesian team at Viet Tri Stadium on December 15.
