On January 6, at the Government headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met and congratulated the National Men's Football Team after the team won the 2024 ASEAN Cup championship.
According to the Government Office, at the meeting, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, the Prime Minister presented noble awards to the team and its members.
The Vietnam men's football team was awarded the First Class Labor Medal by the President.
Six players Nguyen Xuan Son, Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Hoang Duc, and Nguyen Dinh Trieu were awarded the Third Class Labor Medal by the President.
The Prime Minister also awarded Certificates of Merit to 29 individuals of the team.
Speaking in congratulatory and praising speech to the team, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that until now, he is still emotional about the team's very long journey in this tournament, from training to competing and winning.
"It was an emotional journey that culminated in the final match, especially the final goal by player Nguyen Hai Long when the ball slowly rolled into the net with the opponent helpless before the strength of our team. It was a gentle and sweet emotion, sublimating our victory," the Prime Minister shared.
On behalf of General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Standing member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu and leaders of the Party and State, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated and thanked the team, generations of players, coaches and team members, thanking them for a sweet victory, after a high-level, dramatic match between the two strongest teams in Southeast Asia.
Notably, according to the Prime Minister, this is the first time we have brought the regional championship trophy back to the country from abroad; the team ended the tournament with 7 wins, 1 draw and undefeated, setting a record for the number of wins (7 matches) at the ASEAN Cup, in the 29-year history of the tournament, no team has done this in one competition.
The team ended the AFF Cup 2024 with 21 goals, the best achievement in the history of the tournament (record 21 goals in 2002). For the first time, Vietnam had a player win both the Golden Boot and Best Player of the tournament titles (player Nguyen Xuan Son). Goalkeeper Dinh Trieu of the Vietnam team also won the title of Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
This result is thanks to the utmost efforts of the entire team over many years of working together; the fulcrum of national solidarity, the love and support of fans and people across the country under the leadership of the Party; the care of the Football Federation and those working in Vietnamese sports.
"The taste of victory will last forever, what comes from the heart will touch the heart, but the road ahead is still very long," the Prime Minister shared and informed that during the afternoon reception that same day, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations shared joy and congratulated Vietnam and the "golden star warriors".
The Prime Minister stated that in the coming time, football and the sports industry in general must continue to develop, together with the nation, striving to develop civilization and prosperity. The Prime Minister set a goal for Vietnamese football to strive to win the Asian championship and participate in the World Cup.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister sent his regards, encouragement and best wishes to player Nguyen Xuan Son as well as other injured players; especially appreciated player Nguyen Xuan Son's affection for Vietnam.
