Thai football fans erupted in reaction as Vietnam triumphed 18-0 in the AFF tournament.

Vietnam's futsal team’s dominant 18-0 win against Brunei rapidly circulated on Southeast Asian social networks, drawing significant reactions from Thai football fans.

Vietnam's futsal team’s debut at the 2025 Southeast Asian U19 futsal championship became the focus as the team scored 18 goals against Brunei, a team widely regarded as the weakest in the group. Previously, Brunei had lost 0-9 to Thailand, but Vietnam doubling that score surprised many in the region. This result not only secured Vietnam’s early spot in the semifinals but also gave them a strong advantage in the race for the top of the group.

Immediately after the 18-0 scoreline was widely shared, Thai social media began to flood with numerous comments.

Many Thai fans admitted a shift in their perception of Vietnamese football, expressing views such as: “This year, I no longer feel jealous of Vietnam because they are truly serious about football.” This observation reflects a change in mindset among some Thai supporters, as Vietnam is no longer seen as just a team with temporary bursts of success.

Several other comments showed admiration and direct comparisons between the two football cultures. On social media, a Thai fan wrote: “I really like how Vietnam approaches football; both Thailand and Vietnam are heading in directions worth learning from.” Such opinions clearly acknowledge Vietnam’s systematic investment, especially at youth levels and in futsal.

Additionally, many were surprised by the rapid and comprehensive development, from technical skills to the organization of tournaments. One comment that drew attention stated: “There’s even a women’s league and youth competitions with such well-organized facilities? Vietnam has really advanced.” Others looked at the 18-0 score to assess squad depth: “Winning by such a large margin shows they don’t rely on just a few individuals.”

However, not all reactions were purely complimentary. Concerns began to arise when thinking about the upcoming direct clash between the two teams. A Thai fan expressed caution: “If Vietnam keeps up this pace, the match against us will definitely be tough.” Some were even more straightforward, stating: “We can’t be complacent because they are improving very fast.”

These reactions show that Vietnam’s 18-0 futsal victory is not just a lopsided result but also creates a clear psychological impact in the region. For Thai fans, it is both a compliment to their rival and a warning for their own team about the challenges ahead.