"Vietnam understands our playing style, so we must adopt their tactics to counter them", Gustavsson stated on the tournament's official website, before the final match. "We will need to be aggressive in challenges and show fighting spirit".

Thailand will host Vietnam in the first leg of the final at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok tonight, 22/8, before the two teams play the second leg at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi on the evening of 26/8. This marks the third consecutive time the two teams have met in the Southeast Asian championship final. Thailand defeated Vietnam in the 2022 final, while Vietnam claimed the title in 2024.

Gustavsson during Thailand's 1-2 loss to Singapore in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinals, at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on 18/8. Photo: ThailandNT

The 25-year-old forward believes Thailand must learn from their defeat in the 2024 ASEAN Cup final as they prepare for this encounter. He asserted that the team committing the fewest errors will have the best opportunity to succeed, stressing that Thailand cannot allow Vietnam to impose their style of play.

Gustavsson has previously faced Vietnam in two finals, suffering defeats in both. In 2024, Thailand lost to Vietnam 1-2 in the first leg at My Dinh Stadium, followed by a 2-3 loss in the second leg, resulting in a 3-5 aggregate defeat. The Swedish-born forward now sees these past results as motivation and a crucial lesson to help his teammates secure a different outcome this time.

Thailand boasts the most successful record in the tournament's history, with 7 championships and 4 runner-up finishes. This success, however, places significant pressure on the players, as Thai fans consistently expect the national team to win against all regional rivals. "I am aware of the immense pressure, but I try not to dwell on it", Gustavsson added. "I grew up with an aspiration to play in championship finals".

He has always dreamed of playing in a final and winning a title, which drives his self-imposed expectations. The BG Pathum United forward aims to set aside all negativity, focusing solely on the pride Thailand would feel if they secure the championship. "That is our objective and the very reason we play football", he continued.

Gustavsson dribbling during the loss to Singapore. Photo: ThailandNT

Gustavsson recently rejoined the Thai national team for the ASEAN Cup 2026 knockout stage, following an extended period sidelined by injury. He had previously made a significant impact upon his debut under coach Masatada Ishii in 2024, netting 8 goals in his initial 11 matches for Thailand. However, an anterior cruciate ligament injury in March 2025 forced Gustavsson into a long-term layoff. The subsequent recovery process kept him from the national team for an extended period, only returning for this year's tournament.

The forward, born in 2001, also acknowledged that he has not yet fully recovered his peak form following the injury. He views confidence as vital to his return and asserts that with determination, he fears nothing.

Gustavsson was born in Oxelosund, a town in southeastern Sweden. He started playing football at a young age and joined the Atvidabergs academy before moving up to the first team in 2018. Subsequently, the forward played for IF Sylvia before being recruited by BG Pathum United in 2022. Gustavsson's mother is Thai, giving him a connection to the country's culture from a young age. After moving to Thailand to play, coach Ishii also gave him the opportunity to join the national team. The 25-year-old forward did not take long to decide he wanted to represent Thailand. "Coming here alone was quite challenging, but I do not regret that decision", Gustavsson said.

After four years in Southeast Asia, Gustavsson has not fully adapted to Thailand's hot and humid climate. In his early days, he couldn't speak much Thai, despite understanding the language, and needed time to integrate. However, the forward born in 2001 states he now loves life there. Gustavsson believes the biggest difference between Thai and European football lies in tactics. Matches in Thailand often proceed at a high pace, particularly due to the hot weather. Towards the end of games, the play easily shifts to counter-attacks and end-to-end action, making matches more unpredictable.

The climate also poses a significant challenge for Gustavsson. He believes playing for 90 minutes in Europe is not overly demanding, even with extensive running, because the body does not dehydrate or sweat as much as in Thailand. Conversely, after about 60 minutes in Thailand, he can feel dizzy due to the heat, likening the experience of playing there to being in a sauna.

By Hoang An (from ASEAN Utd)