Defender Thanh Chung: Don't say Vietnam team is afraid of Thailand

"Thailand is a very strong opponent, but the Vietnamese team does not have the concept that people often call "fear of Thailand". When we play football, we do not fear anyone, we are only afraid of ourselves not being able to do it" , defender Nguyen Thanh Chung answered an interview after the first leg of the final match of the AFF Cup (ASEAN Cup) 2024.

The story of "fear of Thailand" is always mentioned by the media and fans whenever Vietnamese football representatives compete with opponents from the land of the golden pagoda.

However, coach Kim Sang-sik and his players always affirm that this does not happen in the current Vietnamese team. The victory in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final is proof.

Vietnam team 2-1 Thailand

The Vietnamese team defeated Thailand 2-1 at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho) on the evening of January 2. Nguyen Xuan Son's double helped the home team take a 2-0 lead. The Vietnamese team's defense did a good job of blocking Thailand's attacking stars. Thanh Chung and his teammates only had one opening, allowing Chalermsak Aukkee to shorten the score.

"Today's match is no different from a war. The Vietnamese players are very determined in this match. There is still one more match, so nothing can be said in advance. We are very focused on the final match in Thailand," said Thanh Chung.

A 1-goal difference is not a safe advantage for the Vietnamese team. The away match still poses many risks for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team. The Vietnamese team still needs at least a draw to win the 2024 AFF Cup.

"I want to send a message to all the fans to accompany the Vietnamese team. Thank you everyone for always supporting and cheering for us all this time. Only one more match, let's create a miracle together," defender Thanh Chung sent a message to Vietnamese fans.