Foreigners are stunned by the 'heat' of Vietnamese fans watching Euro

Tourists watch football at Bui Vien walking street - Photo: HIEN ANH

The lively atmosphere, big TV screens and loud sound make it an ideal place to watch the matches, said Marcel Lennartz.

"In Vietnam, every goal is greeted with cheers, regardless of which team scores. The bustling streets and energy from the crowd excite me," he shared.

Watching football in Vietnam, he remembers the last time he watched the Euros in his home country 30 years ago, when Marcel and his friends gathered at a local pub. One day he went to Amsterdam - the city turned into a giant party after the Netherlands won the match.

"I bet Vietnamese people also share the love when their teams win, by celebrating. Vietnamese people love football very much, I see them "storming" on the streets of Saigon. They are very hospitable and like to invite foreigners to drink beer or eat, or want you to cheer and take pictures with them.

30 years ago in the Netherlands, if I was invited to cheer with strangers, I would not have participated. However, in Vietnam, the warmth and friendliness towards foreigners makes me very grateful. Vietnamese people are very friendly. They are the reason why I have stayed in Vietnam for so long," he said.

Marcel recalled his experience watching Euro when he first came to Vietnam. At that time, he was cheering for the home team, the Netherlands. A young Vietnamese man tried to strike up a conversation, asking Marcel where he was from. When he answered, the man laughed and said: "You're kidding. The Dutch have black skin but you have white skin."

The boy then pulled out a picture and showed Marcel pictures of Dutch players. Most of the players were black so he concluded that all Dutch people were black. Marcel then explained to him that in a multicultural society, they had people of all skin colours.

Last weekend, Marcel in Quy Nhon also saw the pubs bustling with cheers. "I think tourists will be happy to have the memory of watching some matches with the locals. Go to a pub or any restaurant. Of course, don't drink and drive. Learn to say no if people pressure you to drink too much. Locals like 'one two three dzoooo' and they often expect foreigners to do this with many people," he said.

"Vietnamese people love football too much"

Zach Moffatt (30 years old, American, English teacher in Ho Chi Minh City) feels that Vietnamese people love football, even though it is broadcast late at night.

As the Euros began, he saw more people wearing sportswear on the streets. More restaurants were opening late to broadcast the matches. Some of his regular stores had big TV screens that Zach had never seen before.

Large TVs are installed everywhere for everyone to conveniently watch Euro 2024 - Photo: HIEN ANH

"Euro takes place in Europe so many matches take place late at night in Vietnam. I have a friend who I just met last night. He said he would go home at 8pm, go to sleep and wake up at 2am to watch the next match," he said.

Zach said that the Irish pub called The Rabbit Hole (Binh Thanh District) is often chosen by foreigners to watch football. When watching here, they feel like they are at home watching the match.

"However, I think if you are someone who wants to experience the Euro atmosphere, you don't need to search much. Ask your friends when the next match is and join them. If you go out alone, you will see a lot of TVs broadcasting the match. I find this an unforgettable experience when living in Vietnam," Zach shared.

The whole family loves football

Mr. Anders Krystad (68 years old, Norwegian, living in Hue) said that he usually watches Euro at home with his family when the matches are not too late. His family often meets for dinner and plays billiards before the matches. For some matches, he "changes the mood" and watches outside with the crowd.

Anders said his family, especially his Vietnamese wife, are extremely fond of football. Eight years ago, the couple went to France to watch the Euro, watching the match between Sweden and Ireland with more than 80,000 people in attendance.

"This year I supported Scotland and Norway. But Scotland are out and I don't really have a favourite. I think France, Italy, Spain and Germany are the strong teams at the moment, maybe especially Germany. England are a joke," he commented.

In Hue, taxis are cheap, information about televised matches arrives late, but the coverage is good. He thinks it will be an unforgettable experience for foreigners coming to Vietnam to watch football. "Tourists should watch football with the locals, stay away from illegal betting, and don't drink and drive," he said.

He said the atmosphere when watching football in Vietnam is great. People like to gather to watch the matches. People often like to "go crazy" after a great victory but it is also quite dangerous. Therefore, he often decides to watch at home for safety.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguoi-nuoc-ngoai-choang-voi-nhiet-cua-fan-viet-xem-euro-20240627150157809.htm