Vietnam beat Singapore 2 - 0 in 1st leg of ASEAN Cup 2024 semifinals

In a thrilling ASEAN Cup semifinal clash, Vietnam emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Singapore, marking a dramatic finish with goals in the final moments of the match.

The game, filled with intensity and strategic play, was decided in stoppage time.

The match remained goalless until the 90+11 minute when Hai Duong-born striker Nguyen Tien Linh expertly converted a penalty, breaking the deadlock and setting Vietnam on a path to victory.

The penalty was awarded after a clear handball caused by a miscommunication between the Singapore goalkeeper and a defender.

Just minutes later, at the 90+14 mark, Vietnam doubled their lead. Naturalized Nguyen Xuan Son capitalized on a well-placed cross from a teammate, scoring with a simple tap-in and ensuring the victory for Vietnam.

This goal followed an earlier disallowed goal for Xuan Son in the 89th minute, which was ruled out by VAR due to the ball touching his arm.

Throughout the match, Vietnam demonstrated a robust defense and a well-coordinated attack. Dinh Trieu, Vietnam's goalkeeper, was particularly notable for his remarkable save in the 68th minute, denying Singapore's Taufik Suparno a goal with a fingertip save that sent the ball over the crossbar.

Singapore tried to maintain pressure and created several chances but failed to convert any into goals. On the other hand, Vietnam's strategy of quick counterattacks and solid defense paid off, especially in the critical last minutes.

Vietnam fans have every reason to anticipate an exciting semifinal second-leg match at home on Sunday.

Compiled by TB