Sun Jan 05 13:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Vietnam’s Son Suffers Possible Leg Fracture in ASEAN Cup Final Thriller
**Bangkok, Thailand** – Vietnam’s star striker, Nguyễn Xuân Son, suffered a suspected leg fracture during the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 final against Thailand on January 5th, 2024. The injury occurred in the first half while Vietnam held a 3-2 aggregate lead. Son, who had scored a brace in the first leg and was vying for both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards, was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher. His replacement, Tiến Linh, entered the game as Vietnam battled to maintain their lead.
The match was a tense affair. While Thailand’s Gustavsson had a long-range shot that missed the mark, Vietnam dominated possession in the closing minutes of the first half without capitalizing on several opportunities. A crucial moment saw Ngọc Quang’s skillful back-pass force a foul, disrupting Thailand’s attack. Later, a near miss by Suphanat tested Vietnam’s goalkeeper. Vietnam’s own attack showed some faltering, with Văn Thanh’s ambitious curler sailing over the bar.
Thailand pulled one back in the second half through a deflected shot by Davies, who capitalized on a mistake by Ngọc Tân. Despite the setback, Vietnam held on to win the match and secure the ASEAN Cup title.
Son’s injury overshadowed the victory for Vietnam, casting doubt over his ability to claim the individual awards. He had scored seven goals in four matches, three more than any other player in the tournament. The ASEAN Cup 2024, formerly known as the AFF Cup, marked its 15th edition. Thailand, previously winners of seven tournaments, was aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title.
First Piper 