BANGKOK -- A Kim Sang-Sik substitution masterstroke conjured the goals that proved the difference in the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Championship final on Saturday.
Within ten minutes of being introduced in the 58th minute, Nguyễn Hai Long and Nguyễn Quang Hải both found the back of the net to hand Vietnam a crucial 2-0 away win over Thailand at Rajamangala Stadium.
Yet, it was a man who has been immovable in the starting XI that secured the crucial result that puts Vietnam in a formidable position to retain the title, ahead of Wednesday's second leg at Hanoi's Mỹ Đình National Stadium.
Having only won his first cap for Vietnam back in July, Lê Giang Patrik has played every minute at the current ASEAN Championship. He is also one of just six to have started in every game for the Vietnamese.
Vietnam's dominance in most of their matches so far means he has not been the busiest of shot-stoppers at the tournament. But against the Thais, the 33-year-old showed just why Kim has put his faith in him -- especially with an equally-capable alternative available in the form of 48-capped Đặng Văn Lâm.
Kim was not exaggerating when he said his side might have conceded three goals on Saturday were it not for the heroics of Patrik.
It started in the 36th minute -- when the scores were still 0-0 -- as he did brilliantly to tip over a ferocious left-footed effort from inside the area by Teerasak Poeiphimai.
Then, with Vietnam already two goals up, Patrik reacted well in the 71st minute to keep out a speculative effort from the edge of the box by Chaiyaphon Otton with a sprawling save -- after the ball had taken an awkward bounce right in front of him.
And in injury-time, Waris Choolthong looked destined to reduce the deficit with a half-volley that dipped dramatically and was set to land just under the bar -- only for Patrik to preserve his clean sheet with another stunning fingertip save.
Even Thailand coach Anthony Hudson referred to the fact that Vietnam's goalkeeper was named player of the match as evidence that his team did not exactly perform badly.
Kim was even more lavish with his praise in his post-match news conference.
"He [Patrik] prevented what could have been three clear goals," Kim said.
"His performance today might even have been better than those he produced during his time working under [goalkeeping] coach Lee Woon-Jae [in training].
"Even if [Cristiano] Ronaldo or [Lionel] Messi had taken those shots today, I don't think they would have been able to score past Patrik."
After having to wait quite a while before finally getting clearance to represent Vietnam -- having been born in Czechoslovakia and represented Slovakia up to U21 level -- Patrik was simply happy to play his part for the team.
"We are happy for the win," he told ESPN after the match. "We're bringing a very important win to Vietnam for the second leg.
"I just did my job. I tried to help the team and I'm happy we won and we didn't concede a goal.
"I need to give credit to the whole team. They really fought. We sacrificed a lot. This is not just about me but the whole team.
"And not just the players on the field. This is including the coaching stuff, all the players and, also, I cannot forget about the fans -- thank you for coming here to support us, as well as to all the people across the country."
Given his recent introduction to the team, Patrik is now up to just eight caps and the ASEAN Championship is his first tournament with Vietnam.
Already, silverware is on the near horizon.
"We don't have it yet," Patrik replied, when asked what it would mean if he is to lift the trophy on Wednesday.
"We need to stay grounded and wait until the second leg.
"Of course, we want to win to and bring the trophy to the Vietnamese people and the country."