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On the evening of January 2nd, the Vietnamese national team won the first leg of the 2024 AFF Cup final against Thailand with a score of 2-1. Immediately after the match ended, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh went down to the field to congratulate the Vietnamese team.
Amidst the overwhelming atmosphere of victory, the image of captain Do Duy Manh waving the national flag became even more meaningful. The red flag with a yellow star fluttering in the wind was a testament to the strength, will, and unity of the entire team. The entire stadium erupted in jubilation, tens of thousands of hearts beating in unison with each wave of the flag.
Captain Do Duy Manh waved the national flag to celebrate Vietnam's 2-1 victory.
The image of Duy Mạnh raising the national flag during the final match brought back memories of the historic moment in Changzhou in 2018. From the young man planting the flag in the snow of Changzhou, Do Duy Mạnh has matured into a courageous leader of the Vietnamese national team. Both moments carry a sacred meaning: national pride and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. These are indelible marks in the history of Vietnamese football, commemorating a proud journey of the Golden Star Warriors.
One of the most touching images from the Vietnam U23 team's journey at the 2018 AFC U23 Asian Championship.
Vietnam's historic football match in the snow and rain.
As soon as the final whistle blew, the color red began to flood many streets in the capital and Ho Chi Minh City. Even though it was late at night, the roads leading to the city center were still incredibly lively with flags, banners, and shouts of: "Vietnam is the champion!"
People poured into the streets to celebrate the victory of the Vietnamese national team.
For the first time in 27 years, the Vietnamese national team won against Thailand while playing at home. Many fans traveled long distances to stay up all night, sharing in the joy.
The red flag with a yellow star fluttered throughout the streets of Hanoi after the Vietnamese national team won against Thailand.
Thousands of national flags not only symbolize the pride of the fans but also serve as a source of inspiration for the second leg of the final match in Thailand on January 5th. Despite the celebratory frenzy, football fans did not forget to comply with the newly implemented Decree 168/2024, stopping their vehicles at red traffic lights. Before the match, traffic police, especially in major cities, had planned and prepared traffic management and enforcement measures for those who took advantage of the celebrations to disrupt public order or violate traffic laws.
Despite the enthusiastic cheering, the people still strictly obeyed traffic laws.
Most commendable of all, amidst the lively atmosphere of the football festival, the people demonstrated a high sense of responsibility. At many intersections, even without the presence of law enforcement, people voluntarily stopped at the crosswalks, yielding to each other. Motorbikes lined up neatly waiting for the red light, and radiant smiles shone on everyone's faces – a beautiful image, a meaningful message on this joyous day for the nation.
The Vietnamese national team promises to have an exciting return match at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on January 5th. Authorities advise fans to abide by the law and strictly adhere to traffic safety regulations when going out to support the team so that the joy can be multiplied many times over.
