Vietnamese Fans' Reaction to Korea's World Cup Success and France’s Win: A Comparison with Vietnam’s AFC U-23 Achievement
Introduction
When South Korea and France shocked the world by defeating top-ranked teams like Germany and France, respectively, in the 2014 World Cup, Vietnamese fans were initially elated. Nevertheless, the mood quickly shifted when the Vietnamese national team achieved a significant milestone by winning their first-ever Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 tournament. This article delves into the reactions and underlying reasons behind these contrasting sentiments among the Vietnamese populace.
The Context of Vietnamese Football
The Viral Triumph of South Korea and France in 2014
South Korea, with a history spanning back to 1986, has consistently demonstrated its prowess on the international stage. Their 2014 World Cup victory, especially after defeating Germany, a 2010 World Cup champions, ignited a wave of excitement and optimism within the South Korean football community. This success was further exemplified when France, another past World Cup champion, crowned themselves as the new champions. The victory over top-tier European rivals was a testament to France's growing strength in football, especially since their triumph at home in 1998.
Indifference and Skepticism of Vietnamese Fans
Conversely, Vietnamese fans remained largely indifferent to these feats. The reaction was one of indifference and skepticism. This reaction can be attributed to the fact that Vietnam has a long and underdeveloped history in international football, largely overshadowed by the protracted and divisive Vietnam War. The Vietnamese national team has only appeared at the World Cup once, in 2002, and has struggled to achieve significant milestones.
The Vietnamese-AFC U-23 Success: A Cause for Grief
Significance of Vietnamese AFC U-23 Victory
When the Vietnamese national U-23 team triumphed in the AFC U-23 tournament, it reignited national pride and hopes for the future. Yet, the elation was short-lived. The Vietnamese populace, recognizing the historical context, did not see this achievement as a sufficient reason for widespread celebration. This analysis is also personally relatable as a Vietnamese individual who grew up in Poland. The limited football culture and lack of historical achievements in senior football made the U-23 victory a bittersweet moment for many.
Comparison with Poland
For instance, had a Polish youth football team won a significant competition, the reaction would likely have been much different. Polish citizens take immense pride in their successes, especially if they involve the senior national team. Similarly, in the context of Vietnamese football, there is a sense that more needs to be achieved at the senior level before any youth successes can lead to widespread jubilation.
Conclusion
The Road Ahead for Vietnamese Football
In conclusion, while the success of South Korea and France in the 2014 World Cup and the recent victory of French senior national team provided morale boosts to football-loving nations around the world, it does not significantly impact the positive sentiment and anticipation surrounding the Vietnamese national team's successes. The Vietnamese populace continues to hold the belief that they need to make their mark at the senior level before any youth achievements can be celebrated extensively. The journey for Vietnamese football to reach the heights of countries like South Korea and France is indeed a long one, but the seeds of hope and potential are still firmly planted in the hearts of supporters.