The Vietnam team, led by coach Kim Sang Sik, had been due to land at Noi Bai International Airport at 5.55 pm on August 23. However, bad weather delayed the flight by nearly two hours from its original schedule.
Large numbers of supporters gathered early at the arrivals hall of Terminal 2 at Noi Bai International Airport, determined to stay despite the delay for a chance to see and welcome home the players.
Shortly after 8 pm, the players landed at Noi Bai Airport, quickly completed arrival procedures and waited to collect their luggage.
Tien Sy, who has supported the Vietnam team for 16 years, said welcoming the side at the airport had become a habit. Because the flight was delayed by the weather, he and his son made four trips to the airport, bringing flowers and a red shirt with a yellow star in the hope of getting the players' autographs.
At about 9 pm, after completing formalities and collecting their luggage, the players began leaving the terminal.
After an intense spell of competition, the mood in the squad was relatively relaxed. Several players chatted and laughed with teammates and waved to supporters while waiting.
After a 2-0 first-leg win, the Vietnam players returned to Hanoi full of confidence. Goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik smiled and waved warmly in response to the welcome from home fans.
Dinh Bac was among the players drawing particular attention. The young forward became a focal point as large numbers of fans surrounded him, enthusiastically calling his name and asking for souvenir photographs.
Vietnam's number nine warmly posed for photographs in response to the affection shown by supporters.
In buoyant spirits, the players gradually moved their luggage to the team's vehicles before returning to their base, bringing the journey back to Hanoi to a close.
The 2-0 win gives Vietnam a significant advantage ahead of the return leg. However, Kim Sang Sik's side still have a decisive 90 minutes to come at My Dinh Stadium and must maintain maximum concentration.
On August 24, both teams will return to tactical training. On August 25, Vietnam and Thailand will each have one hour to familiarise themselves with the pitch at My Dinh Stadium in their final session before the second leg.
