Close to a thousand fans spend the night at the stadium in Hanoi from late Friday into Saturday in the hope of purchasing the coveted tickets.

Among those are some fans who arrive at the stadium at 4 p.m. Friday to secure a place in line.

“I’m a big Vietnam fan and this is the first AFF football event that will be this big and probably will be for a long time,” said one fan.

“This is history in the making and I want to be a part of it. I’ve been here for over 14 hours and it’s been like a big tailgate party. I’ve made friends. A lot of us stayed up all night.” 

All tickets are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

At 6 a.m. on December 3, an hour before tickets start selling the line at the stadium is over one kilometre long.

Indonesia head coach Alfred Riedl says his team cannot afford to underestimate Vietnam as they finish atop the Group B standings.

They are an experienced team with talented players, says Riedl, noting Vietnam coach Nguyen Huu Thang, is doing a great job.

Riedl says it will be very difficult for his Indonesia team to advance to the final. Vietnam might be a little bit better team, but they’ll have to prove it.

Riedl also pointed out that his side will have to keep a close eye on Vietnam striker Le Cong Vinh.

The 30-year-old is just three goals away from becoming the all-time leading scorer in AFF Suzuki Cup history.

Vietnam is by far the best team in Group B and remain unbeaten in the tournament as they have won all their group stage games.