International media lauds Vietnam’s AFF Cup win

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Fox Sports said Vietnam "showed why they have been the best team in the tournament, keeping things tight at the back and showing excellent professionalism to see out the contest and be crowned champions of Southeast Asia."

"Vietnam got the better of Malaysia on Judgment Day and earned the right to call themselves the best team in Southeast Asia," the site wrote.

Fox Sports also lauded goalkeeper Dang Van Lam for his performance in the final.

"Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam needed to be at his best in the second leg of the 2018 AFF Cup match against Malaysia and he played a big role to help the Golden Dragons become champions," Fox Sports added.

US sports site ESPN also highlighted Vietnam’s victory.

"Vietnam last won the regional title in 2008 and Anh Duc's fine first-half strike ensured Park Hang-seo's side overcame a robust Malaysia team to send the majority of the sold-out crowd at the My Dinh Stadium into raptures," ESPN wrote.

Malaysian newspaper Malay Mail said the early goal by Vietnam cost Malaysia the title.

"Vietnam’s early goal for 3-2 aggregate buries Malaysia’s AFF Cup dream," Malay Mail wrote.

Nguyen Anh Duc (L) and Nguyen Van Quyet carry the AFF Cup 2018 trophy. Photo by Duc Dong/VnExpress.

A Ghanaian sports site, Ghana Soccer Net, said Vietnam’s title was well-deserved.

"Vietnam created problems for Malaysia early on as the visitors were made to chase shadows in the opening minutes and the Golden Dragons were rewarded for their aggression," the site wrote.

South Korean media also congratulated and complimented Vietnam’s title and their head coach Park Hang-seo.

"The AFF Cup 2018 title is a well deserved award for the Vietnamese national football team and head coach Park Hang-seo. A 1-0 victory in the second leg against Malaysia brought joy to all the fans in Vietnam after 10 years of waiting," South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo wrote.

Chosun Ilbo was also impressed with the tactics adopted by coach Park Hang-seo.

"Park’s tactics were exceptional in AFF Cup 2018. Vietnam’s counter attacks were very fast. That kind of strategy cannot be found in Southeast Asia at the moment," it said.

Nguyen Anh Duc's goal that brought Vietnam the win, was started from a counter attack. Photo by Duc Dong/VnExpress.

South Korean broadcaster SBS commented: "Vietnam has officially beaten Malaysia 1-0 in the final’s second leg of AFF Cup 2018 to win their second title after 10 years of waiting. This achievement showcases Park Hang-seo’s talent, as he brought big changes to Vietnamese football in just over one year ..."

No Cut News, a South Korean newspaper, said this AFF Cup title means much more than just a trophy.

"Head coach Park and Vietnamese football have not just simply won the AFF Cup; this means new chapters in Vietnamese football will continue to be written. Defeating all opponents in the AFF Cup, Vietnam has become the strongest team in Southeast Asia after a decade of waiting." 

Up next for Vietnam, who have enjoyed a stellar year after emerging runners-up in the AFC U23 Championship 2018 and champion of AFF Cup 2018, is the AFC Asian Cup UAE in January 2019. Vietnam have been drawn to face Iran, Iraq and Yemen in the group stage.