On the evening of January 2, the Vietnamese team won the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final against Thailand with a score of 2-1. Immediately after the match ended, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh went down to the field to congratulate the Vietnamese team.
In the explosive atmosphere of victory, the image of captain Do Duy Manh waving the national flag became even more meaningful. The red flag with yellow star fluttered in the wind, as an affirmation of the strength, will and solidarity of the whole team. The entire stadium exploded in joy, thousands of hearts beating in unison with each fluttering flag.
Captain Do Duy Manh waves the national flag to celebrate the 2-1 victory of the Vietnamese team.
The image of Duy Manh raising the national flag high in the final night recalls the historic moment in Changzhou in 2018. From a young man planting the flag on the white snow of Changzhou, Do Duy Manh has grown up and become a brave leader of the Vietnamese team. Both of those moments carry a sacred meaning, which is national pride and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. Those are indelible marks in the history of Vietnamese football, marking a proud journey of the Golden Star Warriors.
One of the most touching images in the journey of U23 Vietnam at the 2018 U23 Asia finals
Vietnam's historic football match in the snow
As soon as the final whistle blew, the red color began to flood many streets in the Capital or in Ho Chi Minh City. Even though it was late at night, the roads leading to the center were still extremely bustling with flags, banners and shouts: Vietnam is the champion.
People happily poured into the streets to celebrate the victory of the Vietnamese team.
For the first time in 27 years, the Vietnamese team won against Thailand when playing at home. Many fans did not mind the long distance to have a sleepless night, joining in the common joy.
The red flag with yellow star fluttered throughout the streets of Hanoi after the Vietnamese team won against Thailand.
Thousands of national flags are not only a symbol of the pride of the fans but also a source of inspiration for the second leg of the final match in Thailand on January 5. Despite the "storm" of celebration, football fans still did not forget to comply with the newly applied Decree 168/2024, stopping their vehicles properly at red traffic lights on the street. Before the match, the Traffic Police force, especially in big cities, also planned and prepared traffic diversion and handling measures for those who took advantage of the "storm" to cause disorder and violate traffic laws.
Despite the enthusiastic cheering, people still strictly obeyed traffic laws.
Most importantly, in the bustling atmosphere of the football festival, people showed a great sense of responsibility. At many intersections, even without the presence of authorities, people still voluntarily stopped at the crosswalk, giving way to each other. Motorbikes lined up neatly waiting for the red light, with bright smiles on everyone's faces, it was a beautiful image, a meaningful message on the happy day of the country.
The Vietnamese team promises to have an exciting return match at Rajamangala, Bangkok on January 5. Authorities recommend that fans who go out to cheer for the team must obey the law and strictly follow traffic safety regulations to multiply the joy many times over.
