Leg 1 2020 AFF Cup Semifinals: Thailand Beat Vietnam 2-0 Through Chanathip Songkrasin's Brace

Thailand captain Chanathip Songkrasin scored two goals against Vietnam (Twitter @afcsuzukicup)

JAKARTA - The Thai national team defeated Vietnam 2-0 in the first leg of the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals at the National Stadium, Singapore, Thursday night.

The captain, Chanathip Songkrasin, scored two goals for Thailand in the 14th and 23rd minutes.

The result made Vietnam have to win by a goal difference of more than three to qualify for the final. While Thailand only needs a draw score.

#Jinro FT | 🇻🇳 Vietnam 0-2 Thailand 🇹🇭

The War Elephants 🐘 carry a 2⃣ goal cushion to the second leg!

#AFFSuzukiCup2020 | #RivalriesNeverDie | #VIEvTHA pic.twitter.com/KKHm6t9Dq8

— AFF Suzuki Cup (@affsuzukicup) December 23, 2021

In that match, both Vietnam and Thailand actually appeared to attack each other from the first minute.

Nguyen Quang Hai's blocked shot was met by Supachok Sarachart's kick which was also well anticipated by the Vietnam goalkeeper.

Thailand took the lead in the 14th minute through Chanathip Songkrasin who took advantage of a Vietnamese backline error.

Nine minutes later, Chanathip again listed his name on the scoreboard. This time, the player from the Japanese League club, HC Sapporo, completed his team's quick pass which led to the assist of Sarach Yooyen.

In the second half, Vietnam, which was two goals behind, increased the intensity of its attacks. Thailand was choked up when Nguyen Quang Hai's shot hit the post in the 67th minute.

Thailand almost added to the lead, but Chanathip Songkrasin's penalty was saved by Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh.

No more goals were created after that, Thailand won with a score of 2-0.

The second leg of this semifinal will be held on Sunday, December 26 night, also at the National Stadium, Singapore.

The winner of the match will play against the best team from the other semifinals, namely Indonesia or Singapore.

The second leg match between Indonesia and Singapore will be held on Saturday, December 25. In the first meeting, the two teams drew 1-1.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS | 🇻🇳 Vietnam 0-2 Thailand 🇹🇭

There was far more goalmouth action than the scoreline suggests, making for big showdown in the second leg between them on boxing day! ⭐️🆚🐘#AFFSuzukiCup2020 | #RivalriesNeverDie | #VIEvTHA pic.twitter.com/PMP3pu3nZ8

— AFF Suzuki Cup (@affsuzukicup) December 23, 2021