Nguyễn Hai Long and the pride of a champion

Nearly two years ago, Hai Long secured a 3-2 win against Thailand with a strike from almost the center of the pitch. This time, also from midfield, he broke Indonesia's will with a run. And then followed his proud celebration...

Nguyễn Hai Long, witness to historic victories

After scoring to make it 2-0 against Indonesia, the "number 18" created a viral moment as he turned to the stands and pointed at the yellow emblem on his sleeve—the logo for the reigning ASEAN Cup champions. It was not just a spontaneous celebration, but rather a proud statement about the status of the Vietnamese national team, reflecting the confidence of a squad that entered the match with the mindset of champions.

In the 15th minute, following a perfectly threaded pass from Lê Phạm Thành Long, Hai Long sprinted from his own half, raced through the huge gap left by Indonesia's defense, and fired a low shot into the near corner, beating goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata. The goal came from speed, composure, and exemplary transition play, but what fans remembered most was the moment that followed.

Instead of running to celebrate with his teammates as usual, Hai Long calmly pointed to the champion emblem on his sleeve. Amid the fervent atmosphere of more than ten thousand Indonesian fans, that gesture carried more meaning than a mere celebration. It was a reminder that Vietnam remains the top team in Southeast Asia until an opponent is strong enough to defeat them and take the crown.

What makes it special is that this is not the first time Hai Long has created an iconic moment against major regional rivals. Remember in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 final at Rajamangala Stadium, it was the midfielder born in 2000 who scored from near the halfway line against Thailand. At that time, the home goalkeeper had pushed forward in the final minutes hoping for a equalizer, but Hai Long's cool finish sent the ball straight into the empty net, ending Thailand's dreams right on their "sacred ground" of Rajamangala.

That was not only the goal that sealed the championship for Vietnam, but also a symbol of Thailand's helplessness. The team that once dominated Southeast Asian football had to watch their rivals celebrate the title on their own turf, while Hai Long became the man who put an end to all their hopes.

This time, Indonesia faced a similar situation. Of course, this goal didn't come from near the halfway line, but the feeling it brought was no different. When Hai Long made it 2-0 after just 15 minutes, the entire plan of the home team collapsed. Indonesia was forced to push forward, growing more impatient, while Vietnam had more space to employ their favored counter-attacking style. Just like Thailand at Rajamangala years ago, Indonesia had to chase the game and was helpless against a disciplined, composed, and highly effective Vietnamese team.

That is also why Hai Long's celebration had such a strong impact. It was not meant to provoke the opponent, but rather a pride in what the whole team had achieved. Vietnam entered the ASEAN Cup 2026 as the defending champions, and on the Pakansari pitch, Coach Kim Sang Sik's players performed exactly as their status demanded.

Not only did he score, but Hai Long also had a complete match. He provided the "pre-assist" for Văn Vĩ's opening goal, pressed aggressively, supported defensively, and excellently marked Thom Haye, rendering Indonesia's playmaker almost unable to make a difference. That performance showed that Coach Kim Sang Sik's decision to bring Hai Long back into the starting lineup was not an emotional choice, but a precise tactical calculation.

After the match, Hai Long also explained why Vietnam won so convincingly. He said the team had prepared thoroughly for the away pressure, and most importantly, all players strictly followed Coach Kim Sang Sik's tactics. According to the 26-year-old midfielder, each game has different personnel choices, but whether starting or on the bench, every player is always ready to give their best for the national colors.

Those comments reflected the essence of the victory over Indonesia. It was not the individual brilliance of Hai Long or any one player, but the result of a well-organized team executing the tactical plan. However, even in such a team, symbols are needed to convey the message. And Hai Long is a living proof.