I love football – fortunately Vietnam does too

Vietnam loves football and gender is no obstacle to the beautiful sport – VNA/VNS photo

By Alex Reeves – @afreeves23

When I asked my editor if we would assemble an elite group of experienced writers (knowledgeable volunteers) to cover the 2024 European Championships this summer, I was a little disappointed to learn that the 2022 ‘World Cup Warriors’ format that got me started here at Việt Nam News would unfortunately not be repeated.

Every fan has an opinion and those of us who have a passion for the pen or keyboard want the opportunity to write about it. Not one to be deterred, this week I’m going to do just that. I love football, Vietnam loves football, I can’t imagine living anywhere that doesn’t.

So what is it like to be a football fan here, from a migrant’s perspective? To sum it up in one word: accessible. From replica jerseys to countless amateur leagues to every game imaginable on the big screen, it’s a paradise. At least for those of us who can run in 35 degree heat and stay up past midnight.

In reality, this is a great place for fans of the beautiful game. Driving through a city here, you’ll be struck by the sheer number of teams with ridiculous names and the shirts the guys wear. There are leagues with 11-a-side and 5-a-side teams that are equally competitive and organised, have established themselves quickly and a cursory glance at social media will alert any newcomer to them.

Those of us who moved here from the Western Hemisphere will probably be familiar with the extortionate cost of a sports subscription. Hundreds of dollars are spent annually for the chance to watch the games, and when a night out at the pub costs just as much money, it sometimes feels like you’re being punished for doing something you love.

Here we have the luxury of a football temple of our very own, namely Puku Cafe. Truong Dao, the man who knows how to get a game going, and his lively team are seemingly able to find any game at any time, with a literal 24/7, 365 days a year policy. If Puku is the temple, then Bóng Đá Phủi is the souvenir shop, selling the latest replica jerseys and some timeless classics at a fraction of the price back home. That said, when your playing days are over, get ready for a tight fit.

Vietnam loves football. Fans here celebrate a World Cup qualifier as if they had won the tournament itself, and in fact bring home some regional trophies on this occasion. Expect to hear “đi bão”, literally “the storm”, as thousands of fans on all kinds of vehicles fill the streets until the late hours. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, it’s a must-see cultural spectacle.

Oh, and if you’re an England fan reading this, come along to the 100 Garden this Saturday and cheer the boys on with us. See you there. VNS