Introduction

In a tense buildup to their highly anticipated clash, Thailand defender Aukkee made headlines by dismissing Vietnam's star striker, Son. He boldly claimed he was indifferent to the challenge and seemed unaware of Son’s prowess, even suggesting that his teammate Jonathan Khemdee was superior. Yet, on January 2 at Viet Tri Stadium, actions spoke louder than words.

Son's Performance

Son delivered a stunning performance, netting two goals, including a pivotal strike in the 73rd minute, which he achieved by skillfully reclaiming the ball from none other than Aukkee himself. Meanwhile, Khemdee sat on the bench, a spectator to Son's brilliance.

Response to Critics

When questioned about Aukkee's biting remarks, Son demonstrated his unwavering focus. “I don’t care what others say about me,” he asserted. “Words like that don’t affect me. My only goal is to give everything I have on the pitch to help my team win. That's how I approach every match.”

Statistical Highlights

Statistics from the match show that Son took six shots and placed three on target, showcasing his incredible skill and precision. This victory was monumental as it positioned him as the Vietnamese player with the most goals in a single ASEAN Cup tournament, surpassing achievements previously held by Nguyen Tien Linh in 2022 and Le Huynh Duc in 2002. Moreover, Son made history by becoming the first Vietnamese player to score in four consecutive matches of the tournament, breaking Duc's record of three matches set in 1996.

Teamwork and Support

Son acknowledged the tough challenge posed by Thailand's defense but credited his teammates’ contributions, with a special mention for playmakers Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Quang Hai. “They are incredibly skilled and understand my movements well,” Son remarked. “Having intelligent teammates like them makes my job on the pitch much easier.”

Looking Ahead

With this crucial victory, Vietnam heads into the second leg at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on January 5 with renewed confidence. The match is expected to host a roaring crowd of over 51,000 fans. To secure their third ASEAN Cup title, Vietnam only needs to avoid a loss.

Final Thoughts

“We need to stay focused,” Son concluded. “Thailand has many quality players, but we are ready to fight and aim for victory in the second leg. Right now, our top priority is recovery. I want to express my gratitude to the fans for their passionate support and to my teammates for their relentless effort on the field.”

Conclusion

As anticipation builds for the second leg, fans are buzzing with excitement, eager to see if Son can continue his historic run and lead Vietnam to glory once again. Will he rise to the occasion and silence any remaining doubts? Only time will tell!