The 30-year-old Englishman's urgent post quickly gained attention. Several fan clubs, including Vietnam Golden Star, proactively offered support.

After five years in Vietnam, Tom realized national team matches are significant events. Whenever the team wins, streets pack with people, covered in red jerseys, and filled with excitement.

He has followed the Vietnam national team for years but only started attending V.League matches in person about a year ago. His first game was a Cong an Hanoi FC match, with a ticket costing 50,000 Vietnamese dong. He then visited Hang Day and My Dinh stadiums to watch domestic and national team games.

Tom O'Farrell (in red) with Vietnamese fans at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi. *Photo courtesy of subject*

Tom shared that his most memorable experience was on the evening of 22/5/2022, while drinking beer with a friend on Ma May Street, Hanoi, watching the SEA Games 31 final. When Nham Manh Dung scored a header in the 83rd minute, securing a 1-0 victory for Vietnam against Thailand, everyone around them erupted. "Crowds poured onto Tran Nhat Duat Street with flags, drums, and horns. It was one of the most exhilarating moments I've ever experienced," Tom said.

Born in England, home to a premier football league, Tom found a different appeal in Vietnamese football. He often watched football back home but never felt a deep connection to any club. In Vietnam, what captivated him was not just the game but the shared anticipation for the national team. The excitement in the stands, the joy in the streets, and the collective celebrations allowed him to participate in community life, rather than just observe.

Richard Harcus, a Scottish football consultant, had a similar experience. In late 1/2019, he and his wife watched the AFC U23 Championship final on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, TP HCM. When Nguyen Quang Hai scored a free-kick equalizer amidst the snow in Changzhou, China, the crowd erupted. "I felt like the whole country cheered together. I cried tears of joy and felt fortunate to witness a part of Vietnamese football history," he stated.

According to Richard, many Europeans are accustomed to football with centuries of history and stable league systems. Vietnam offers a different experience, characterized by the freshness and optimism of a developing football nation. Fans consistently believe the team can achieve great things, and every accomplishment becomes a historic milestone. For a professional, this also presents an opportunity to observe different development approaches, learn, and share expertise.

Richard Harcus in England. *Photo courtesy of subject*

Richard's home country, Scotland, also has a rich history in modern football. They have participated in the World Cup seven times but never advanced beyond the group stage. Scottish fans are often disappointed by their team's inability to progress, while Vietnam awaits its first appearance. One nation carries the weight of history, while the other seeks to create its own. This contrast motivates Richard to understand the aspirations, goals, and development path of Vietnamese football. He is interested in how the team overcomes challenges and how fans maintain faith through periods of success and setback.

This appeal often leads Richard and his foreign friends to attend matches featuring Saigon FC and TP HCM FC. These games help them make friends, learn Vietnamese, and gain a deeper understanding of local culture. "Football gives people a sense of belonging in Vietnam," Richard stated.

For Nathan, a 31-year-old Englishman, his affection for Vietnamese football grew through his family. He has lived in Vietnam for six years and is married to a Vietnamese woman. His father-in-law's passion for football provided a common topic for them to share.

Nathan noted that the professional level and infrastructure of Vietnamese football are not yet comparable to England or Europe. However, its greatest appeal to him is the growing belief among fans in their national team. His biggest desire is to witness Vietnam qualify for the World Cup for the first time.

"I want to still be here when that day comes," Nathan said.

Ngoc Ngan