Hanoi (VNA) – The world football governing body FIFA showed special interest in Vietnamese football by congratulating its men’s national team on winning the ASEAN Cup 2024 and encouraging striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who unfortunately suffered a serious injury in the second leg of the final in Thailand on January 5 evening.
On its official social media page, FIFA posted a image of the Vietnam’s national team lifting the ASEAN Cup 2024 trophy along with a brief but meaningful congratulatory message: Southeast Asian Champions, champions in the hearts of all Vietnamese people! accompanied by two symbols - the Vietnamese flag and the championship trophy.
This image quickly received thousands of likes and comments from fans around the world. The congratulatory message not only affirms the appeal of Southeast Asian football but also recognises the outstanding success of the Vietnamese team under the leadership of Korean coach Kim Sang Sik.
Vietnam defeated archrival Thailand in the 2nd leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 final at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, on January 5 evening. With an incredible 3-2 victory, Vietnam secured a 5-3 aggregate win to claim the championship and lifted the ASEAN Cup for the third time in history.
In addition to its congratulations to the team, FIFA also expressed special concern for striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who suffered a serious injury in the second leg of the final.
An image of Son standing at attention and salute the national flag alongside a child was shared by FIFA with words of encouragement to be strong and overcome his injury. This was an emotional moment as Xuan Son dedicated himself fully to the team in this tournament until he collapsed due to injury.
In the second leg of the final, Xuan Son had to leave the pitch in the 34th minute due to a broken leg after a strong collision. Nevertheless, he left his mark with seven goals in the tournament, winning the top scorer title and being voted the best player of the ASEAN Cup 2024.
His performance is not only a source of pride for Vietnamese football but has also been recognised internationally, with FIFA particularly emphasising his influence on the pitch.
FIFA's actions received widespread agreement from the football fan community. Many expressed their emotions over this concern, seeing it as a tremendous motivation not only for Xuan Son but also for Vietnamese football as it strives to establish itself on the international stage./.
