Vietnam made a comeback to defeat host Thailand 3-2 in the men's football final at SEA Games 33 last night, 18/12, securing their third gold medal in the last four tournaments. Half a day later, the team departed from Bangkok on a flight back to Hanoi at 4:00 p.m.

The flight crew prepared many national flags to distribute to passengers and team members. They also received numerous congratulations before the flight took off.

Center-backs Nguyen Nhat Minh, Nguyen Duc Anh, and Nguyen Hieu Minh (from left to right) stated they still feel invigorated after the memorable comeback victory.

Coach Kim Sang-sik sat in a front-row business class seat. He still appeared tired after the journey. The flight crew later prepared a large cake to celebrate the gold medal, and coach Kim was the first to cut it.

After a two-hour flight and 40 minutes of procedures, the players arrived at the Noi Bai Airport lounge. Representatives from the Sports Authority of Vietnam and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) were waiting to present wreaths to each team member.

Many people waiting for their relatives quickly greeted the players and used their phones to capture images.

Outside the lounge, the media and fans surrounded the team.

Coach Kim Sang-sik expressed his gratitude when an elderly fan congratulated him, gesturing that he was number one. Others took the opportunity to snap selfies with the South Korean coach.

Another fan praised goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien for an excellent tournament. He then unexpectedly kissed the cheek of the goalkeeper, born in 1993.

The players freely interacted with their supporters. They signed autographs, shook hands, and took photos together.

Many players were greeted by family members, including winger Nguyen Phi Hoang (right). Hoang, originally a forward, was trained by coach Kim to play as a midfielder and left-back. He possesses excellent physical stamina and crossing ability.

Hoang was born in 2003 in Quang Binh (now Quang Tri) into a family with three siblings. He failed the entrance exam for the PVF academy before moving to Da Nang. Hoang had been separated from his father (red shirt, left) since he was 9 years old, when his father went to Germany for work. Hoang's mother (second from left) was too emotional to speak as her son continuously brought glory to the nation.

U22 Vietnam will have a few days off before re-convening on 26/12. The team will travel to Qatar for a training camp, preparing for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia, which kicks off on 5/1.

Hieu Luong

Photos: Giang Huy - Hoang Giang - Hai An