Watch U19 Vietnam play with Cong Phuong's mother

From the moment Cong Phuong appeared on the field until the match between U19 Vietnam and U19 Japan ended, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoa almost never took her eyes off her son Cong Phuong.

Although I am not a fan who knows much about football, but through the eyes and heart of a mother, in every situation where Cong Phuong dribbles, moves, and shoots, the image of Mrs. Hoa with contrasting emotions, sometimes happy, sometimes anxious, has left us with special impressions and emotions.

Ms. Hoa also wore a banner on her head to cheer for her son Cong Phuong's U19 Vietnam team. Photo: Duc Huan

"If he is afraid of being late and not being able to get to the stadium, Cong Phuong will feel sad"

Although the match between Vietnam U19 and Japan U19 took place at 7:00 p.m., Ms. Hoa and her sister arrived at My Dinh Stadium at 5:00 p.m.

“Even though it’s still hot, my sister and I still have to leave early. I heard that there will be a lot of spectators at the stadium for this match, so if I don’t come early, I’m afraid we’ll get stuck in traffic and not be able to get to the stadium, and I’ll be very sad. I told Phuong I’ll come early. If I don’t come to watch, I’m afraid he’ll feel sorry for me, and I feel sorry for him.”

Ms. Hoa continued: “Although it was my second time at My Dinh Stadium, I still felt very confused. To be honest, I have been in Hanoi for a few days but I still feel unfamiliar. The other day, because I was worried that I would stay at home too much and would be bored, Cong Phuong asked a friend to take me to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoan Kiem Lake. I really enjoyed it, uncle.

Since I came here, I have only met Cong Phuong twice and we haven't talked much. I only had time to tell him to try to practice and compete well. Today, in addition to me and Phuong's aunt, there was also his brother, who just flew from Binh Duong to Hanoi to watch him compete."

Then, Ms. Hoa told stories about Cong Phuong with passion and pride: “When I was young, when Phuong was still playing barefoot on the fields in the countryside, I sometimes went to watch a few matches between children from this neighborhood and that neighborhood, this village and that village. He was smaller than the children of the same age but played with great passion. Now Phuong is playing in a big stadium, with the cheers of many people, so I am very happy. I hope in this match he will continue to score to help U19 Vietnam win.”

“I feel happy and proud of Phuong”

Perhaps because of her simple, friendly appearance and constant smile, some fans did not hesitate to approach her to ask and take photos with Ms. Hoa. In response to the fans' affection, Ms. Hoa talked very happily and openly.

With a banner printed with the words "Vietnam wins" like tens of thousands of fans of the Vietnam U19 team, Ms. Hoa lives through the emotions of joy, anger, love and hate as she immerses herself in each ball on the field.

Mrs. Hoa clapped her hands and shouted "Vietnam" in unison like thousands of other fans. Every time the wave of people at My Dinh Stadium reached the A stands, the mother of striker Cong Phuong also stretched, raised her arms high with bright eyes and a smile.

Right after Van Toan's opening goal, Ms. Hoa said: "Toan and Phuong are very close friends. Phuong said they even live in the same room. So when Toan scored, I was as happy as when Phuong scored in the previous match."

Mrs. Hoa continued: “I am old so I have to squint really hard to see Cong Phuong clearly. But it’s okay, I recognized him right away by his gait and running. Honestly, I held my breath every time he ran and shot. I held my breath waiting for him to take the penalty kick and when the net shook, I don’t know why I jumped up and celebrated like that.

When he dribbled and shot, he always received applause from many people. Many uncles and aunts in the stands even said to each other: "That number 10 (Cong Phuong - PV) is so strong, plays so well". Honestly, hearing those words, I feel very happy and proud of Phuong".

During the match, there were times when Mrs. Hoa felt regretful when Cong Phuong dribbled and shot, then burst into happiness when raising her arms and jumping up to celebrate the goal like a child. There were times when her face looked stunned and speechless when U19 Japan scored.

“I think Cong Phuong and his teammates tried their best. The other team was stronger so it was right that they won. Losing the match made me and the fans feel very sad. But I don’t think anyone will blame the players.

In the upcoming matches of the Vietnam U19 team, I will continue to come to watch and cheer for Cong Phuong. I hope that the fans in the upcoming matches will also cheer enthusiastically like the past two matches", Ms. Hoa could not hide her sadness when Vietnam U19 lost the match, but her eyes and words did not show any disappointment or discouragement.

According to Sports & Culture