Entering the high-stakes Southeast Asian classic, both sides signaled aggressive intent from the opening whistle. Under pressure following previous losses to Vietnam, Thailand fielded their strongest lineup and quickly gained the upper hand against a patched-up Vietnamese squad deployed by head coach Kim Sang-sik.

In the 10th minute, Sarach Yooyen broke the deadlock with a fierce long-range strike past Vietnamese goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang. The early goal energized the Thai side, though Vietnam swiftly regrouped to organize a composed response.

Scoring opportunities fell to Dinh Bac and Quang Vinh, yet an equalizer remained elusive. Vietnam thought they had leveled the score in the 37th minute when Tai Loc rounded the Thai goalkeeper to tap into an empty net, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review due to an earlier offside infringement.

After the interval, coach Kim Sang-sik made three consecutive substitutions. Following a free-kick by Sarach Yooyen that rattled the goalpost, Vietnam dominated possession and controlled the tempo. Subsequent efforts from Hoang Duc, Dinh Bac, Tien Anh, and Hoang Hen either missed the target or were thwarted by the Thai defense and goalkeeper.

Failing to convert their chances, Vietnam conceded from a counter-attack in stoppage time. In the 90+3rd minute, Otto beat the offside trap, raced into the penalty area, and slotted past Patrik Le Giang in a one-on-one situation to seal a 2-0 victory for Thailand.

The result halts the remarkable 27-match unbeaten streak under the guidance of coach Kim Sang-sik.

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