'Record of two own goals only': Vietnam under Coach Kim Sang-sik writes new history with first-ever back-to-back ASEAN Hyundai Cup titles

*This content was translated by AI.

Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam's national football team has written a new chapter in history by achieving back-to-back titles at the ASEAN Hyundai Cup for the first time ever. Although Thailand mounted a fierce comeback, luck favored Vietnam with two own goals conceded in the second leg of the final, leading to jubilant celebrations.

On the 26th (Korea time), Vietnam drew 2-2 against Thailand in the second leg of the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup final held at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam. Having already secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg away match in Thailand, Vietnam led the aggregate score 4-2 across both legs and claimed the tournament title.

Vietnam, known as "Kim Sang-sik's team," had also won the 2024 edition of the tournament, defending their crown to solidify their status as Southeast Asia's strongest team. Notably, winning back-to-back titles in this tournament, often referred to as the Southeast Asian World Cup, marks a historic first for Vietnamese football. Coach Kim Sang-sik etched his name into history as the first-ever coach to achieve consecutive titles and win the tournament twice.

Even the "goddess of luck" was on Vietnam's side under Kim Sang-sik.

After securing a decisive 2-0 victory in the first leg away match and gaining a favorable position, Vietnam focused heavily on defense from the start of this match while ceding ball possession early. They operated the game with an eye for quick counterattacks to seek a potential "deciding goal." The first-half ball possession stood at just 30%, and total passes in the first half barely exceeded 100, fully reflecting Vietnam's tactical approach on the day.

Although Thailand's determination to overturn the deficit was formidable, lucky own goals repeatedly saved Vietnam. In the 7th minute of the second half, when Thailand scored an opening goal narrowing the aggregate score difference to one goal, Do Hoang Hien of Vietnam took a non-stop shot that struck the goalpost. The ball rebounded off the post, hit the goalkeeper's leg, deflected again, and rolled directly into the net. Officially recorded as a goalkeeper own goal.

Later in the 40th minute of the second half, when Thailand once again narrowed the gap, another "own goal" in stoppage time saved Vietnam. This time, during a counterattack, a cross from the flank was cleared by an opposing defender and directly crashed into the Thai net with force. Ultimately, the second leg ended in a 2-2 draw. With an aggregate score of 4-2 across both legs, Vietnam emerged victorious. It was the moment Kim Sang-sik's team wrote new history.

Amidst the unprecedented record of two own goals, Vietnam celebrated their triumph with a grand victory ceremony before home fans. Coach Kim Sang-sik ran onto the field alongside players carrying the Vietnamese flag. A group photo taken with a large Vietnamese flag also prominently featured the South Korean flag. With this victory, Vietnam tied for second place overall in the tournament's all-time titles with four wins, matching Singapore, while narrowing the gap behind first-place Thailand (seven titles).

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.