When love burns brightly again

After a period of resounding success under coach Park Hang-seo, Vietnamese football experienced a bleak period whenever the national team played. This was a lingering effect of the crisis under coach Philippe Troussier, culminating in a disappointing streak of seven consecutive defeats for the Vietnamese national team, spanning from the 2023 Asian Cup to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The stands, which were once packed with spectators, have become deserted and desolate. The Vietnamese national team played against Iraq and the Philippines, and in friendly matches against Russia and Thailand, the attendance was less than half the capacity.

The Vietnamese national team is regaining confidence.

To say fans are disappointed by the team's loss isn't entirely accurate. During difficult periods in the past, such as under coach Toshiya Miura (2014-2016) or coach Nguyen Huu Thang (2016-2017), the Vietnamese national team also had matches packed with fans, who had to queue for tickets. The issue isn't just the result, but also the performance and the emotions involved.

The period from 2023 to the end of 2024 was a time when the Vietnamese national team lost faith, because fans no longer saw the same passionate fire. Was it due to a generational transition where familiar faces were no longer present? Was it because the football philosophy didn't appeal to viewers, and because the emotions the Vietnamese national team evoked weren't as complete as they once were?

There are many reasons, but during those difficult years, the players understood that fans' affection is not unconditional. Fans only truly love and believe in a player when they see them genuinely fighting for their team's colors.

The crisis has eroded confidence in the Vietnamese national team, but it has also provided a valuable lesson: the entire team must strive to bring fans back to the stadiums, making tickets to watch the team more valuable. As coach Fabio Capello once said: "Respect doesn't come naturally; it must be earned."

The only way to win is through dedication on the field, striving until the last drop of sweat. Fans pay money to "enjoy" the product of football. They are very fair-minded, so as long as the players try their best sincerely, the packed stands will be their recognition.

Fans are always very fair.

Does the Vietnamese national team still have shortcomings in their playing style? Yes. Coach Kim Sang-sik's players haven't attacked well, and their defense remains weak? Yes. Have they yet to establish a clear playing philosophy? That's also true.

But why is Viet Tri Stadium still packed with fans? Why do tickets sell out as soon as they're released? Why are some fans willing to brave the winter cold to queue for a chance to enter the stadium? Because, just like during the time of coach Park Hang-seo, or sometimes under previous coaches, fans see the effort. Fans see players who, though not perfect, are always striving to improve. Spectators see the national team truly throwing themselves into the battle for honor and the national flag. Fans are willing to accept imperfection, as long as the players keep trying.

That's what the Vietnamese national team has achieved, albeit only in the beginning, just a few faint sparks after two years of "coldness." But, confidence is being restored. Fans are coming to the stadium, club owners are enthusiastic and generous in rewarding the players (like Mr. Hien, who awarded 2 billion VND, or Acecook and Dong Luc, who awarded 1.5 billion VND), and tickets are selling like hotcakes...

All of this shows that the appeal of the Vietnamese national team has returned. Although there is still a long journey ahead, let's believe that every journey begins with small steps. With perseverance and unwavering belief, Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will reap the rewards.

Watch the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 live and in its entirety onFPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/con-sot-ve-xem-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-khi-tinh-yeu-chay-ruc-tro-lai-185241230195310984.htm