Hanoi (VNA) – Regional media are heaping praise on Vietnamese striker Nguyen Xuan Son after his stunning double led Vietnam to a 2-1 victory over Thailand in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship final at Viet Tri stadium on January 2.
ESPN Asia devoted extensive coverage to the Brazilian-born player's performance, highlighting the imposing Thai centre-back partnership of Pansa Hemviboon and Chalermsak Aukkee may look well-suited to cope with the physical battle that is entailed by 90 minutes against Son. However, he gave them a real problem. While his first goal – a clinical header – demonstrated his predatory instincts, it was his second strike that truly captured his virtuoso efforts.
In the 73rd minute, as he won possession off Chalermsak inside his own half with absolutely no support, it did not look there was much on. Still, it did not stop him from charging straight towards the opposition goal, where he would eventually skip outside of Pansa and clinically squeeze a shot past Patiwat Khammai in at the far post, despite having made the angle tricker for himself.
Son had further chances to complete his hat-trick, which would effectively have killed off the contest even ahead of the return encounter on January 5.
The Thai Daily News offered a particularly point on the performance, referencing defender Chalermsak’s pre-match dismissal when he asked reporters who Nguyen Xuan Son is. It suggested that had Thailand not managed to score their consolation goal, Chalermsak would have been left with many sleepless nights.
Meanwhile, regional football website aseanutdfc.com highlighted Vietnam's tactical efficiency, noting that despite Thailand's superior possession, the hosts managed to record nine shots on target – triple their opponents' tally. It said Thailand now have to do what they did against the Philippines and overturn a first-leg loss so as to maintain hopes of a third consecutive regional title.
Vietnam, solid defensive display combined with Son’s attacking prowess, are now confident heading into the match on the Thai land./.
