The Vietnamese national football team secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Singapore, despite several
from the referee and the host team. This victory marks the first time Vietnam has won a knockout-stage first-leg match in the AFF (ASEAN) Cup without conceding a goal.
Since the AFF Cup adopted the
in 2004, Vietnam has advanced to the semi-finals nine times. In those nine first-leg semi-finals, Vietnam managed only three wins. In the past 20 years, the team has played nine first-leg semi-finals, winning three, losing four, and drawing two. Vietnam has also reached the final three times, with one win and two draws in the first-leg final matches.
However, the December 26 match at Jalan Besar Stadium was historic, as it was the first time Vietnam won a first-leg semi-final or final without conceding a goal. Head coach Kim Sang-sik and captain Xuân Sơn have set a new milestone in Vietnamese football.
The 2-0 scoreline showcased Vietnam’s dominance over Singapore, who had only one notable chance—a shot brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Đình Triệu in the 67th minute. This victory also ended Singapore’s 10-year undefeated streak at their home ground, Jalan Besar, which had long been considered a fortress.