Football fever: Ho Chi Minh City celebrates 2018 World Cup opener
Friday, June 15, 2018, 14:44 GMT+7
Electronics stores made a fortune selling wares for diehard fans to watch the tournament, while eateries and cafés set up giant screens throughout Ho Chi Minh City for the supporters to catch Thursday night’s 2018 FIFA World Cup kick-off in Russia.
The city made it clear that it was a true football town on Thursday night, with local cafés and watch parties in Districts 1 and 3 flooded with fans ready to watch the World Cup opener between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Many shops and eateries throughout the city set up World Cup posters alongside projectors or large LED screens to attract football-loving customers.
Thai Van Kham, a university student, excitedly shared: “I have been waiting ages for this! There are just so many superstars and celebrities in this year’s World Cup."
“I will try my best to study beforehand so that I can enjoy the matches each night with my buddies,” he added.
Below are some pictures taken by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, capturing the World Cup opening night celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City.
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| Fans cheer on their beloved teams. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| An eatery on Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1, a famous pedestrian zone in Ho Chi Minh City that attracts many international visitors. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| A girl watches as Saudi Arabia concede the first goal. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Young fans await their turn to enter a ‘fan zone’ at the Ho Xuan Huong Sports House in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Three girls root for Russia. Of course the hosts won the first match. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Music is indispensable for such a large gathering. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| A bar on Bui Vien Walking Street. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| World Cup posters fill every nook and cranny of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Even street vendors cannot escape the tournament. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Independent parking lots pop up one after another, hoping to profit from the world’s biggest football competition. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| A corner of Bui Vien Walking Street. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| LED screens everywhere. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Many eateries showed the game on projectors. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Another fan zone means another queue for Vietnamese youth. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Fan girls at the Ho Xuan Huong Sports House. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| Every score is an emotional roller coaster for local fans. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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| This World Cup season attracts female fans from around the country. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
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