If you were one of many bosses in Vietnam who gave their staff the afternoon off to watch the men’s under 23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on Tuesday, we salute you.

Having witnessed dancing in the streets on Saturday following the country’s quarter-final victory against Iraq, authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and everywhere in between braced themselves again last night after Vietnam’s fairytale run in the U23 Asian Cup continued.

Fans are glued to the action at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House during Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Playing out a pulsating 2-2 extra time draw with Qatar at the Kushan Sports Center Stadium in Jiangsu, China, Vietnam once again held their nerve to win a second penalty shootout in a row, this one advancing them to an unlikely final against Uzbekistan this Saturday.

Heroes

Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung was the hero again for Vietnam, making two excellent saves to thwart the Qataris in the shootout, leaving defender Vu Van Thanh to calmly slot home the deciding penalty, and spark wild celebrations up and down the country.

Midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai was also a standout, and must be in contention for player of the tournament after he scored both goals in open play for the Golden Stars - bringing his cup tally to four - including a sublime 88th minute equaliser which sent Vietnamese fans into rapture.

Fans before the kick-off of Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018 at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Vantage point

Gathering in bars, coffee shops and around big screen TVs all over the CBD, football fans in Ho Chi Minh City, many of whom had been gifted the afternoon by bosses caught up in football fever, braved inclement weather but were in high spirits throughout the match.

Ho Chi Minh City resident Josh, 30, who was watching at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House’s ‘fan-zone’, initially heaped praise on the team, was then cautious about the game, and ultimately predicted the result.

“Reaching the Asian Cup semi-final proves that Vietnamese football has improved over the last few years,” he told Tuoi Tre News, “before, we didn’t consider ourselves a strong team, but I think today we can win after another penalty shootout, and I think the score will be 2-2!”

Fans at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House during Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Nerves

Truong, 27, was equally optimistic, but wary of the opposition.

“We know clearly that we are weaker than Qatar in possibly every way, but we still believe that we can win this match,” he said. 

“The only advantage we have over them is our spirit,” Truong continued, which echoed the words of Vietnam coach Park Hang-seo, who had spoken about the team's willingness to fight in the lead up to the game. 

“Qatar is stronger than us in strength and skill, but we believe that we are stronger than them in spirit. That is why we will win,” he added.

Fans react at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House during Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Belief

After kick-off the game see-sawed, rain began to fall and Vietnam conceded a controversial first-half penalty. Phuoc, 48, who had left his nearby office with a colleague to watch the game, was also putting his faith in the team’s management.

“We still have 70 minutes,” he said, “everything is still possible. I believe the coach, Hang-seo will inspire the team to victory today. Look at us, even with the rain we are still here. We’re not going anywhere!”

At the half time break with the team 1-0 down, Manh, 26, shared his concerns over first half tactics.

“We are trying to play too many long passes,” he said, “we need to be more aggressive and start playing shorter passes. If we do that we can get a draw, and then take it to penalties again.”

One fan lets her nerves show at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House during Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Fans react at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House during Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Hope

As the game worn on, no one was losing hope despite the 1-0 scoreline. Vietnam’s resolute defending and counter-attacking play were giving the fans belief, as well as putting pressure on the Qatari defence.

Across town, inside one of the city’s many crowded bars, as the Vietnamese went in search of a second-half equaliser, another group of colleagues were predicting a familiar result.

“I think Vietnam will win on penalties,” said Brian, 45, “I’ve watched the Vietnamese teams for a very long time, but if you look at this one in this tournament, they are totally different. They can win!”

Seconds later, following a period of sustained pressure and a free kick that hit the crossbar, Nguyen Quang Hai equalised for Vietnam after the Qatari defence hesitated in the box.

One fan can’t hide her excitement at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House during Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Joy

Back at the Youth Cultural House, the rain had cleared and all predictions of extra time had already come true. This was after a late scrambled goal by Qatar was met with another, immediate response from Nguyen Quang Hai, who’s superbly curled left foot strike had the crowd buzzing.

Among them were John, 27, and Nick, 28, both from Sydney, Australia. As they spoke to Tuoi Tre News, the referee’s whistle blew for the end of extra time, meaning the reality of penalties quickly settled in. 

“I’m stressed out!” said Nick, “but this is a great atmosphere and I’m backing the Vietnamese goalkeeper to save another one. He did it last time, let’s see if he can do it again!”

“I agree,” said John, “I’m so nervous and this atmosphere is amazing, the team has looked better as the game has gone on and I think they deserve it. Let’s hope for a victory and a great after-party after this!”

Fans rejoice after the final penalty at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House during Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Fans spill out onto the street outside the HCMC Youth Cultural House after Vietnam’s U23 AFC Championship semi-final against Qatar on January 23, 2018. Photo: Vu Ha Kim Vy

Victory

The rest, as they say, is history. After Nguyen Quang Hai missed their first, Vietnam didn’t put another foot wrong, converting all of their remaining spot kicks.

Qatar on the other hand, couldn’t get past goalkeeper Bui Dien Tung on their second and fifth attempts, meaning that when Vu Van Thanh converted Vietnam’s last, the party could begin. And oh, what a party it was!

See you again on Saturday, Vietnam? We wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Vietnam will take on Uzbekistan in the final of the U23 AFC Championship on Saturday January 27 at 3:00 pm local time. Check your local guides for broadcast details.

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