Vietnam has for the first time won the gold medal at the men’s football at SEA Games after years participating in this regional multi-sport event.

Vietnam wins the gold medal for 1st time at SEA Games. Photo: VietNamNet

The Golden Dragons defeated Indonesia 3-0 in the final Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, the Philippines on Tuesday [December 10].

Vietnam ended that unwanted record at SEA Games 30 after losing five SEA Games football finals in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2009, according to the Straitstimes.

Defender Doan Van Hau. Photo: Thethao247

Star Doan Van Hau, who plays as defender for Dutch top division side SC Heerenveen, scored Indonesian net after 39 minutes, opening up the scoring over the rivals.

Do Hung Dung then buried his shot from the edge of the box. He calmly guided a low shot into the bottom corner in the 59th minute, doubling his team’s tally.

Midfielder Do Hung Dung. Photo: VNExpress

At the 73th minute, Doan Van Hau scored his second from a wide free kick from Nguyen Hoang Duc, deciding 3-0 for the Golden Dragons.

Both teams had met in the earlier group stage with Vietnam winning that match by 2-1.

Editor of FOX Sport Asia Gabriel Tan described that “Despite their best efforts, Indonesia always faced an uphill task in getting back into the contest.”

Doan Van Hau’s SC Heerenveen Club continued updating the final on its Facebook page, delivering congratulations in Vietnamese language. The club called Hau a big player in the match.

Currently, Vietnam rank 94th in the FIFA world rankings.