Xuan Son gave the penalty to Tien Linh

The Vietnamese team had to wait until the second half's injury time to score to defeat Singapore in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 (ASEAN Cup) semi-final last night (December 26). Nguyen Xuan Son earned a penalty and the striker decided to let his teammate Nguyen Tien Linh take it.

"Son gave me the penalty. I really wanted to repay Son because he created the assist for me. So when captain Duy Manh gave me the ball, I was very grateful," Tien Linh revealed after the match. It was the number 22 striker who passed the ball to Xuan Son to make a run, forcing the Singapore defender to commit a hand foul to prevent it.

Singapore 0-2 Vietnam

Previously, in the match against Myanmar, Tien Linh also had a good understanding with Xuan Son when he entered the field. This striker duo created the final two goals for each other in the 5-0 victory of the Vietnamese team at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho) on December 21.

Tien Linh’s opening goal was the turning point of the match. The Vietnamese team struggled against Singapore and were also unlucky to have two goals disallowed. As Tien Linh prepared to take the penalty, a Singapore defender came up behind him and continuously put verbal pressure on him.

Xuan Son and Tien Linh help the Vietnamese team beat Singapore.

"At such an important moment, the Singapore defenders and goalkeeper put a lot of pressure on us. If it wasn't me but any other player, the pressure would be just as great. However, I overcame that pressure to score the goal," Tien Linh said.

The striker wearing the number 22 shirt added about the match: "The pitch was very difficult for the Vietnamese team to play. The whole team fought with the utmost tenacity. In the last minute of extra time, the Vietnamese team scored 2 goals. This is a small advantage for the Vietnamese team in terms of spirit before the second leg match 3 days later."

The Vietnamese team will meet Singapore again in the second leg of the semi-final on December 29 at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho). In the 2024 AFF Cup, the away goals rule will no longer be in effect.