In Hanoi, the most urgent preparations were observed in Phuc Loc commune, hometown of captain Khuat Van Khang. From morning, the courtyard of the cultural house of Hamlet 9, Sen Phuong, was buzzing with loudspeakers and lively conversations as everyone prepared seating for the semi-final match.

The family of the U23 Vietnam captain mobilized over 30 people to set up a dome tent, arranged 50 tables, 500 chairs, and installed a dedicated LED screen in the 500 m2 courtyard. Outside the gate, a group of young people from the village actively hung colorful banners with the message: "Cheer for Khuat Van Khang and the U23 Vietnam team."

The cultural house of Hamlet 9, Sen Phuong, Phuc Loc, displays banners and photos cheering for Khuat Van Khang and the U23 Vietnam team, 20/1. *Photo: Thanh Nga*

Khuat Thi Huyen, 50, Van Khang's mother, said she prepared 100 kg of sunflower seeds, snacks, and brewed green tea for free distribution to neighbors.

As a village known for making tofu, pork rolls, and rice cakes, Sen Phuong residents typically sleep early to start work from midnight. This routine is temporarily changing tonight. "Many households are telling each other to skip tomorrow's early market and stay up all night to cheer for Khang and the team," said Thanh Hoa, a neighbor.

About 20 km away, in Tay Phuong commune (formerly Thach That district), hometown of midfielder Hieu Minh, the communal house courtyard of Huu Bang village also glowed with lights. A 32 m2 screen was set up in the middle of the courtyard. Utilizing the stage from a recent village event, residents kept the setup as is and rented additional high-power speakers.

"During SEA Games 33, about 6,000 people came to watch at the communal house courtyard. Tonight, with the area fully prepared, the capacity could reach 12,000 people," said Phan Ich Cuong, 45, a resident of Huu Bang village. Commune police were deployed early to regulate traffic and ensure security as crowds grew.

Nguyen Tien Quang, 54, Hieu Minh's father, shared that the entire extended family was ready to "burn" with passion at the communal house courtyard.

Children arriving from school at Huu Bang communal house courtyard (Tay Phuong, Hanoi), hometown of player Hieu Minh, are excited by the football atmosphere. *Photo: Pham Nga*

Moving south to Nghe An, the atmosphere in Yen Trung commune – hometown of forward Nguyen Dinh Bac – was festive. The public address system continuously broadcast announcements inviting residents to gather at the Hung Yen Bac 2 hamlet stadium.

The football field, just 500 m from Dinh Bac's home, where the young forward first ran, is now covered in red and yellow star flags (Vietnamese national flags). Nguyen Dinh Anh, 41, Dinh Bac's paternal uncle, said villagers collectively set up a 15 m2 screen.

To energize residents staying up to watch the match, the family and neighbors prepared dozens of hot duck porridge pots, along with snacks and tea. "We want to transform the football passion of Nghe An people into encouragement for Dinh Bac and his teammates far away," Dinh Anh said.

Residents install a screen at Hung Nguyen Bac 2 hamlet stadium, afternoon 20/1. *Photo: Dinh Anh*

In Lam Dong, the football atmosphere also permeated every home in the hometown of young player Le Phat. Since the morning of 20/1, Phat's family cleaned up, set up a tent, and installed a projector right in front of their house to welcome neighbors.

Le Thi My Linh, Le Phat's mother, was busy preparing a large pot of chicken porridge for guests. She posted an invitation on social media and was surprised to receive hundreds of enthusiastic comments from friends and neighbors promising to join the celebration. According to local residents, this is not only an occasion to support football but also an opportunity to strengthen community bonds.

Despite geographical distances, from the craft villages of the Northern region, the studious countryside of Nghe An, to the red soil of the Central Highlands, the belief in victory from hometown fans is the strongest support for U23 Vietnam before the dramatic match against U23 China.

Song Nga - Quynh Duong