Vietnam and Football ⚽ Part 3: Why Are Vietnam and Thailand Football Rivals? ⚽🔥

When you talk about football in Vietnam, there's one country that often comes up.

It's Thailand! 🇹🇭

Whenever the two countries face off, football fans get fired up. That's because it means more than just a single match.

Doesn't it look a lot like Korea and Japan?

Why on earth did Vietnam and Thailand become such fierce rivals?

🏆 1. The battle for the throne of Southeast Asian football

Vietnam and Thailand have long been regarded as powerhouses of Southeast Asian football.

In particular, the ASEAN Championship, where Southeast Asian national teams compete, is the stage where the rivalry between the two countries unfolds most fiercely.

Thailand has long established itself as a powerhouse in this tournament, winning the title many times.

Vietnam, too, has continued to grow steadily and has emerged as a strong competitor.

When the two countries meet, it means more than simply earning 3 points.

It will be a battle of pride to determine who is the strongest force in Southeast Asian football.

🔥 2. 2008: Vietnam defeats Thailand and makes history

In the 2008 AFF Cup final, Vietnam faced their archrival Thailand.

At the time, Vietnam won the first leg away in Thailand 2-1, and drew 1-1 in the second leg held in Hanoi.

3-2 on aggregate over two legs!

Vietnam defeated Thailand to win the AFF Cup for the first time in history. 🇻🇳🏆

In particular, Le Cong Vinh's dramatic headed goal in stoppage time of the second half of the second leg is a moment that Vietnamese football fans will remember for a long time.

This victory was not just a simple championship win. It was all the more special because it came by reaching the top against a powerful rival, Thailand.

😮 3. But Thailand didn't back down easily either

While Vietnam was growing, Thailand also held its position as a powerhouse of Southeast Asian football.

The two teams met again in the final of the 2022 AFF Cup.

Vietnam drew 2-2 with Thailand in the first leg, but lost 0-1 in the second leg.

In the end, Thailand won the championship with a 3-2 aggregate score over the two matches.

It was a disappointing result for Vietnam, but the rivalry has grown even more heated.

When one side wins, the other side prepares to take on the challenge again.

As this rivalry has played out again and again, matches between the two countries have become games that fans eagerly look forward to.

💥 4. The 2024 Tournament: Vietnam's Thrilling Revenge

And the finals are back once again!

The 2024 ASEAN Championship final was held in January 2025. Vietnam and Thailand once again faced off for the trophy.

Following a 2-1 victory in the first leg, Vietnam also won the second leg away in Thailand 3-2.

5-3 on aggregate over two legs!

Vietnam defeated Thailand to claim its third title overall.

It was all the more dramatic because the victory came at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand's home ground.

The first championship in 2008, the heartbreaking defeat in 2022, and the redemption at the 2024 tournament.

As these stories piled up, the matches between the two countries became even more special.

❤️ 5. In the end, soccer is a battle of pride and passion

It's hard to explain the rivalry between Vietnam and Thailand as simply a matter of the two disliking each other.

The two countries have long competed for dominance in Southeast Asian football.

They have faced each other several times in major competitions, and with victories and defeats going back and forth, they have become one of each other's most conscious rivals.

That's why, whenever the two countries face off, fans keep a close eye on the outcome of the match.

It's about expressing national pride through football and sharing the joy of victory together.

⚽ If it were you, which team would you cheer for, Vietnam or Thailand?

If you're Korean, wouldn't you still root for Vietnam, given its connection with coach Park Hang-seo? 😀📣

📌 Vietnam and Football ⚽ Preview of the Final Part 4

Why does every street in Vietnam turn into a festival whenever the country wins a soccer match?

People waving flags and pouring into the streets on motorbikes! We'll take a closer look at that special football culture in the next episode.

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