New Zealand Letter: We are always with you!

Like many Vietnamese, I wore a red flag with a yellow star and a headband with the words Vietnam on it. I was nervous about the wind, light rain and cold temperatures when I arrived in Hamilton, wondering if the female warriors with yellow stars would be able to adapt to the climate and be ready for the match.

Waikato Stadium was packed with Vietnamese fans, many times more than Portuguese fans. The cheering crowd chanted "Vietnam wins" and "Vietnam, come on," creating a vibrant, powerful atmosphere. The Vietnamese national anthem was played once again at the World Cup, and this was the second time I had seen it. I felt moved and sacred.

The atmosphere was electric from the first seconds of the game. Despite being invaded by the Portuguese team and scoring two goals, the Vietnamese women's team responded with attacks from the flanks. Goalkeeper Kim Thanh was still in great form. She continued to be like a rock to withstand the stormy attacks of Portugal.

Vietnamese fans at the Vietnam - Portugal match on July 27

After the match, I felt happy and touched when I saw that the Vietnamese fans around me were not too sad or disappointed about the loss. They still liked the performance of the female players. I think the Vietnamese team played better than the match against the US.

What lingered in my mind after the match was the image of coach Mai Duc Chung almost always standing on the sidelines to direct his players. He was very nervous, but I think he directed his players to play better in the second half to avoid conceding more goals. Fans should thank Mr. Chung and the Vietnamese women's team for doing their best.

Saying goodbye to Hamilton, our family drove back to Auckland that night to go to work and school tomorrow... But everyone made an appointment to fly to Dunedin on August 1st to cheer on the Vietnamese women's team against the Netherlands. We are always by your side, Huynh Nhu, Thanh Nha, Diem My, Bich Thuy!

Article and photos: Alisa Pham (from Hamilton)

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-thao/thu-new-zealand-chung-toi-van-luon-ben-canh-cac-ban-20230727202600497.htm