Xuan Son scores the opening goal in the ASEAN Cup’s first-leg final against Thailand with a close-range header. (Photo: VOV)

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who was watching the match at the stadium, went down to the pitch to share the players’ jubilation.

Both Vietnamese goals were scored bystar striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who became the Vietnamese player with the most goals – 7 – in a Southeast Asia tournament. Thailand scored one goal on a header from Chalermsak.

Son and the Vietnamese team received high praise from the media. ESPN Asia said Nguyen Xuan Son, a Brazilian whose real name is Rafaelson, is single-handedly winning the ASEAN Championship for Vietnam.

“The imposing Thai center-back partnership of Pansa Hemviboon and Chalermsak Aukkee may look well-suited to cope with the physical battle that is entailed by 90 minutes against Rafaelson, yet he gave them a real problem,” ESPN said.

The Thai Daily News in its post-match commentary said Vietnam’s tournament opponents no longer have to ask whether Nguyen Xuan Son is truly excellent after witnessing his brilliant performance in this match.

“It was a match that saw Thailand dominate possession but Vietnam, once again, showed that they can be clinical when required and don’t need much of the ball to get the result they need and were still able to land nine shots on target - three times as many as Thailand,” said aseanutdfc.com, a forum on Southeast Asian football.