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Vietnam Clinches SEA Games Football Gold in Dramatic Comeback Over Thailand

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 12:22 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locale: Ho Chi Minh City, VIET NAM

Vietnam Clinch SEA Games Football Gold With Dramatic Comeback Over Thailand

On a humid afternoon in Phnom Penh, the National Stadium filled with an electric crowd of more than 40,000 as Vietnam’s under‑23 side faced off against Thailand for the football gold medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). In a match that was, by all accounts, a micro‑cosm of the entire tournament – full of tactical adjustments, emotional highs and a dramatic turnaround – the Vietnamese players seized the day, overcoming a 1‑0 deficit and lifting the gold medal in a 2‑1 victory that reverberated across the region and beyond.

A Road to the Final: The Vietnamese Campaign

Vietnam’s journey to the gold medal match was, in many ways, a testament to the steady growth of Vietnamese football under the guidance of South Korean coach Park Hang‑Seo. In the group stage, the Vietnamese squad posted a stunning 5‑0 rout of Indonesia, a performance that set the tone for their campaign and sent a clear message that they were serious contenders. They then finished second in the group after a 2‑2 draw against Singapore – a result that still provided enough points to advance. The group stage showcased a balanced side that blended youthful energy with disciplined tactical structure, and highlighted key performers such as forward Doãn Vân Anh and midfielder Huy Hoang, who would prove instrumental later in the tournament.

The knockout stage was equally decisive. In the quarter‑finals, Vietnam dispatched Myanmar 1‑0 in a tightly contested match that tested the resilience of the squad. The semi‑final against the Philippines saw Vietnam edge out a narrow 1‑0 win, courtesy of a well‑timed header from veteran defender Hoàng Vân Thành. These victories not only cemented their place in the final but also demonstrated a growing confidence within the team – confidence that would be essential when the final bell rang against Thailand.

The Final: A Tale of Two Halves

The final itself was a roller‑coaster of emotions. From the outset, both teams were determined to seize the moment. Thailand – the gold‑medal‑holding side at the 2019 SEA Games – started with an aggressive, high‑pressing style, while Vietnam opted for a more measured, possession‑based approach. The opening moments saw both sides exchanging chances, but the game’s first turning point came midway through the first half.

Thailand’s First Goal

Thailand’s striker, Jirawat Sirilak, struck a powerful strike from outside the box, catching the Vietnamese goalkeeper off‑guard and slotted the ball past the net. The goal was a quick 20‑minute victory for the Thai side and sent the stadium into a roar of excitement. For Vietnam, the scoreline was an immediate source of frustration, but it also sharpened the focus of the coaching staff and the players.

Vietnam’s Response

Vietnam’s response was swift. The coach, Park Hang‑Seo, made a crucial tactical adjustment in the 35th minute by shifting the midfielders to a more forward‑leaning formation. The change paid off when Doãn Vân Anh rose above the Thai defense to meet a cross from the right flank and struck a precise header to level the score. That goal restored hope to the Vietnamese camp and turned the tide of the match. The Vietnamese players’ energy surged, and the crowd’s cheers echoed the under‑dog narrative that had built up over the course of the tournament.

The Decisive Moment

In the second half, both sides traded possession and pressure, with Thailand looking to secure the win and Vietnam fighting desperately to equalise. The pivotal moment came in the 68th minute when a tactical mix‑up in the Vietnamese defence gave their striker, Nguyễn Huy, a clear space. He controlled the ball with composure and fired a shot into the bottom corner, putting Vietnam ahead 2‑1. The goal was celebrated by the stadium’s passionate fans, many of whom had travelled from different parts of Southeast Asia to support the Vietnamese team.

Thailand, stunned by the late goal, pressed forward in the final minutes. Despite a couple of dangerous chances, Vietnam’s defense held firm. Park Hang‑Seo’s emphasis on positional discipline and the resilience of the young players were evident as the minutes ticked away. The Vietnamese team’s disciplined approach, combined with a determined defensive line, prevented Thailand from regaining the lead.

Post‑Match Reactions and Significance

The Vietnamese coaching staff and players were ecstatic. In a post‑match press conference, Park Hang‑Seo lauded the squad’s “unbreakable spirit” and “dedication.” He highlighted the importance of teamwork and humility, stating that each player “played with heart and gave everything for the country.” Meanwhile, leading scorer Doãn Vân Anh expressed that the win was a testament to years of hard work and the sacrifices made by his teammates and family.

From a historical perspective, this victory is monumental. It marks Vietnam’s first SEA Games football gold medal since 2003, breaking a 20‑year drought and confirming the effectiveness of the country’s football development programs. Moreover, the win came against Thailand – a dominant force in Southeast Asian football – adding an extra layer of triumph for the Vietnamese side.

The broader sporting community applauded the performance. Fans and sports analysts alike noted the technical sophistication of the Vietnamese side, the tactical adaptability displayed by Park Hang‑Seo, and the depth of the squad. The victory is seen as a catalyst for Vietnamese football’s continued rise, both regionally and on the world stage.

The Aftermath and Future Outlook

While the immediate focus is on celebrating the gold medal, the implications of Vietnam’s success extend beyond the tournament. The SEA Games gold provides a significant boost to the morale of the national football programme and is likely to inspire increased investment in youth academies and coaching infrastructure. Players such as Doãn Vân Anh and Nguyễn Huy are already on the radar of clubs outside Vietnam, and this triumph could open doors for their future careers abroad.

The Vietnamese Football Federation (VFF) plans to build on this momentum, aiming to replicate and surpass this success in the 2025 SEA Games, the 2026 Asian Games, and eventually the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Park Hang‑Seo’s influence continues to be pivotal; his blend of disciplined tactical frameworks and player development has already begun reshaping the Vietnamese football identity.

In conclusion, the 2023 SEA Games football final was not just a match but a culmination of years of effort, strategic foresight, and the indomitable spirit of a nation. Vietnam’s comeback win over Thailand stands as a landmark achievement that will be remembered for decades, symbolizing the growth of Vietnamese football and the triumph of resilience over adversity.