2024-12-31
It's time for the final of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, where two of the region's biggest footballing nations – Thailand and Vietnam – meet in an epic duel. The rivalry is red-hot and both teams have shown impressive form throughout the tournament.
The road to the final
Thailand trip:
- Group play: Thailand dominated Group A and won all matches:
- 10–0 against Timor-Leste
- 1–0 against Malaysia
- 4–2 against Singapore
- 3–2 against Cambodia
- Semifinal: A dramatic doubleheader against the Philippines where Thailand lost the first leg 1–2, but turned around to win 3–1 in Bangkok to win 4–3 on aggregate.
Vietnam trip:
- Group play: Vietnam were equally strong in Group B, topping the table after:
- 4–1 against Laos
- 1–0 against Indonesia
- 1–1 against the Philippines
- 5–0 against Myanmar
- Semifinal: Vietnam beat Singapore with a 5–1 aggregate victory after two convincing performances.
When and where?
The final is played in two games:
- First match: January 2, 2025 at Việt Trì Stadium in Phú Thọ, Vietnam.
- Second match: January 5, 2025 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Both matches start at 20:00 local time.
Star players to keep an eye on
Thailand:
- Suphanat Mueanta: The 22-year-old striker has been Thailand's hero during the tournament, not least with his decisive goal in the semi-final against the Philippines.
- Patrik Gustavsson: The Swedish-Thai striker has impressed with his sense of purpose and his work capacity.
Vietnam:
- Nguyen Tien Linh: One of the tournament's best scorers who was decisive in several matches.
- Nguyen Quang Hai: The midfield genius and the team's creative engine have both created and ended important scoring chances.
What is at stake?
Reigning champions Thailand are aiming for their third straight title, while Vietnam are determined to reclaim the throne they last captured in 2018. This final is not only a battle for championship gold, but also a duel for glory and dominance in the region.
Facts about the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup
- The tournament started in 1996 as Tiger Cup.
- Between 2008 and 2018 it was called AFF Suzuki Cup.
- Since 2022, it goes under the name ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
Arrangement:
- Played every two years and includes group stage, semi-finals and final.
- Matches in the semi-finals and final are played in a doubleheader format, with both home and away matches.
Previous winners:
- Thailand is the most successful nation with seven titles.
- Vietnam and Singapore have two and four titles respectively, while Malaysia has won once.
Interesting fact:
- The 2018 final between Vietnam and Malaysia broke attendance records, with over 88 fans in attendance.
The ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup is not only a competition but also a symbol of regional unity and rivalry. The tournament brings together nations from across Southeast Asia and reflects the area's rich culture and diversity. From the passionate fans in the stands to the dramatic matches on the pitch, the Cup creates moments that live on in the memory long after the final whistle.
Historically, the tournament has been a platform for developing and highlighting talent within the region. Players such as Teerasil Dangda of Thailand and Lê Công Vinh of Vietnam have gone from being local heroes to becoming international role models thanks to their performances here. For many young players, this championship is a springboard to reach new heights in their careers, and for fans, it is a reminder of football's ability to unite people across borders.
Broadcast of the final
For those who want to follow the final between Thailand and Vietnam, the matches will be broadcast on the following platforms:
- Thailand:
- TV channel: Thairath TV will broadcast the matches live.
- streaming: Matches can also be viewed via the AIS Play and BG Sports online platforms.
- Vietnam:
- TV channels: VTV2, VTV5 and VTV Cần Thơ will broadcast the matches.
- streaming: FPT Play and VTVgo offer live streaming of the matches.
- Rest of the world:
- YouTube: For international viewers, the matches will be available live on ASEAN United FC's YouTube channel.
that the broadcast times are adapted to local time in each country.
Don't miss the final between these two giants - a battle that will go down in history and a celebration of football's power to unite and inspire!
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: tommy video, Pixabay, original image