Vinh Stadium - a football stadium of yesteryear.

The "sacred ground" of the Football ClubLam River, Nghe AnThe place where countless people came to cheer on the king of sports, with the thunderous cheers still etched in the minds of those who visited. How could one forget the high-stakes matches of the national football championship, where the Nghe An team was considered one of the most prominent names, having won the title three times at the highest level of the nation?

I remember the day I first set foot in Vinh. The nature, scenery, and life here were quite unfamiliar to someone from the North. Then I was surprised by the countless friendly eyes, smiles, and voices of the people here. "Let's go watch football to heat up the Vinh stadium," a joke full of optimism from a friend after a tiring day at work, lifted everyone's spirits. Then I got to set foot in Vinh Stadium, one of the most vibrant football stadiums in the country, a place that showcases the immense pride of football fans in Nghe An in their beloved team.

I went to Vinh Stadium as a supporter of the visiting team, but later I grew fond of the home team. When Vietnamese football became professional, Song Lam Nghe An actively participated in the transformation of national football, performing energetically with a vibrant atmosphere.

I remember the atmosphere of cheering for the team at Vinh Stadium, which made people forget all their fatigue and join in the shouts of encouragement.

I forgot about the daily stresses and hustle and bustle to enjoy the match with everyone, standing up and applauding whenever there was a great play.

In Vinh, every weekend or whenever there's a football match, people gather in front of the TV or plan to go to the stadium to watch live. It's noisy but incredibly fun, as if a week of hard work is nothing. They just go out to cheer; those with money have already bought tickets, while those on a tight budget go to a nearby cafe to enjoy the atmosphere and watch on TV – it's still a lively and fun place.

The way the Song Lam Nghe An fans cheered was amazing. I remember that day, Vinh Stadium was like a cauldron heated by the sun and the resounding chants of "Song Lam Nghe An champions!" All the sublime emotions of the players on the field and the fans merged into one in an endless football atmosphere.

The match lasted 90 minutes, but it flew by so quickly. Here, not only the home team's fans but also the visiting team's supporters felt this passion as an encouragement to give their all on the pitch.

Then we had a meal together, chatting and catching up. "North, Central, and South are all one family; anyone who's a football fan is a friend," I heard this phrase many times whenever teams from the North came here to play.

When discussing something, whether it's casual chats over tea or drinks, the "online coaches" ultimately always do it for their beloved team. Domestic competition is what produces talent for the national team to reach the world stage. Then they discuss and analyze the playing style and tactics of each player, and what strategies to use.

They say you can never talk enough about football, and that's exactly true. It's also because of the character of the people here; every visiting team is peaceful and inspires genuine football fans.

Once again, I returned to Vinh Stadium after several years. Vinh City welcomed visitors with its vibrant life and a sense of significant change after two long years battling the storm known as the Covid-19 pandemic. The fiery atmosphere of Vinh Stadium holds the imprint of countless emotions from fans across the country, especially on the day we triumphed over the pandemic, allowing us to return to the stadium to watch football as usual.

That place holds so many memories from my school days, from my shorts and t-shirt days. Back then, participating in a 7-a-side football match in Vinh was exhausting, yet I was still eager to share in the joy of the ball rolling on this glorious Vinh Stadium, to be immersed in the cheers and encouragement of the fans. Even after two decades, I still clearly remember the excitement and exhilaration of that time at Vinh Stadium.

On the sidelines of the football match, we chatted about each other's lives and personalities. Despite our different styles, once we felt a connection, people from Nghe An were very open. "That's just how the people here are," I said. They live freely, wholeheartedly, and always strive for excellence in everything they do. That's arguably the best thing I've learned from the people of Nghe An.

For three or four decades, from poverty to prosperity, my friends from Nghe An have always lived each breath for a brighter tomorrow. Was that just empty talk? Certainly not, because while everyone has changed, that spirit has remained strong after so many years of life's struggles.

The football match ended, and afterwards I had a meal with some friends from Nghe An, a kind of post-match celebration. Each of us had indescribable and unforgettable emotions, especially after a closely contested game. The meal, with its main dish being Nghe An eel, was incredibly delicious and visually appealing. Regardless of whether our team won or lost, the noble spirit of sportsmanship will always remain in the kind and sincere people of Nghe An. Spending time with my friends, learning more about Nghe An, further intensifies my pride in my Vietnamese heritage.