BANGKOK -- With Vietnam claiming a clinical 2-0 win in the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Championship final on Saturday, Thailand are now faced with a mountain to climb as they head to Hanoi for Wednesday's return encounter in Hanoi.
A stroke of genius by Vietnam coach Kim Sang-Sik at Rajamangala Stadium saw both his 58th-minute substitutes -- Nguyễn Hai Long and Nguyễn Quang Hải -- score within ten minutes of coming on to hand their team a crucial victory, at a time when it looked like they might struggle to break down the Thais' stubborn resistance.
Vietnam also had goalkeeper Lê Giang Patrik to thank for the crucial result as he made three outstanding saves -- including one in stoppage time as the War Elephants looked destined to pull one back, ensuring the reigning champions remained in a commanding position to win a fourth regional title and pull off a first-ever successful title defence.
Nonetheless, Thailand have seen firsthand how a two-goal deficit can be precarious.
They were almost on the receiving end of an opposition comeback in the semifinals when they led Singapore 3-1 from the first leg -- only for the Lions to produce a stirring display away from home, winning 2-1 in Bangkok but just failing to force extra-time as they lost 4-3 on aggregate.
It is why Thailand coach Anthony Hudson remains hopeful even though the challenge, on paper, is a daunting one.
"I think those guys [his team] -- they're not done yet," Hudson said, in his post-match news conference.
"I think everyone in the changing room feels that we can go there and that we are still in the tie.
"If I didn't [believe], I wouldn't even be getting on the aeroplane [to Hanoi]."
"What I said to the players in the [centre] circle [immediately after the final whistle] was important, because everyone [then] goes off and does media and different things. Also, I wanted them to see Vietnam celebrating over in the corner so they remember that.
"But one goal in Hanoi -- one goal -- and the tie is completely open. Our biggest challenge is going to be where are physically.
"We need to recover quickly because, if we can recover quickly, then we have a chance. I believe in this whole group of players.
"I believe that, if we can get those things right and get the players over to Vietnam feeling fresh and 100%, we are still in the tie and we have a chance. 100%."
Given their status as the tournament's record seven-time champions, Thailand were always to be among the main title challengers.
Nonetheless, considering they are fielding a fairly inexperienced outfit with a whole host of key players unavailable for selection due to club commitments, the Thais have perhaps already done admirably to get this far.
A number of up-and-coming prospects, especially attacking players such as Kakana Khamyok, Seksan Ratree, Teerasak Poeiphimai and Yotsakorn Burapha, have shown they could be key members of the team in years to come.
Still, their relative youth also means that they are still lacking that extra bit of experience and hardiness that might have been the difference -- as Hudson lamented.
"There is that part of it, in terms of their development," Hudson explained. "A lot of the changes we are making in games are really around fitness and cramp.
"As I have said before, I am so proud of the whole group. I am so proud of the young players.
"But there is also a part of me inside that's frustrated because, I think if we were fitter and go more match fitness, I think these guys could do more in this tournament.
"I just think our front three need to become fitter and sharper. That is one of the biggest things. That is probably something that has held us back at times.
"In several games, a lot of our strikers - if their fitness was better, if it's not preseason ... [in contrast] Vietnam have been in their camp for two months and played friendly matches in South Korea.
"Irrespective of that, I love these players. I love the young lads. They have given us everything and they have so much potential.
"I do not want to make it all about this -- in terms of [it being] a developmental tournament for us. We are still very much focused on going to Vietnam and putting on a performance.
"Of course, for those young players who have done absolutely fantastic, this has been a great experience for them. Some of the lads are close to the first team - close to our main senior team. I can assure you of that."