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Vietnam, led by coach Park Hang-seo, drew with Thailand, the winner of the last tournament, with a dramatic mid-range pow that exploded in the 43rd minute of the second half in the first leg of the Southeast Asian Cup soccer final.
This is reporter Ha Seong-ryong.
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While more than 40,000 Vietnamese fans held up a picture of coach Park Hang-seo and a large phrase with 'Thank you' written on them to express their gratitude, coach Park shed tears while listening to the Vietnamese national anthem at the home game.
The players also poured everything out for their mentors.
In the 24th minute of the first half, Thien Linh scored the opening goal with an amazing diving header, and coach Park clenched his fists.
After the opening goal, Thailand, the most winning team, gave up two goals in the second half and allowed a turnaround, but Vietnam scored a dramatic equalizer in the 43rd minute with a powerful mid-range shot by Vu Van Thanh.
Manager Park cheered with an uppercut ceremony, and the Hanoi home stadium was engulfed in enthusiasm.
Even in a dramatic 2-2 draw, coach Park left the stadium expressing dissatisfaction with the decision, but at the press conference, he smiled brightly and said goodbye to the fans.
[Park Hang-seo/Vietnamese soccer team coach: I will keep the good memories deep in my heart because I received a lot of encouragement and support from the Vietnamese people.
Happy New Year.]
With all of Vietnam dyed red by the thrilling theater goal, coach Park will finish the last dance with a victory if he wins the second game away from Thailand on the day after tomorrow (16th) or scores more than 3 goals and draws.
(Video editing: So Ji-hye, screen provided: SBS Sports)