Despite its unsatisfying performances in the recent World Cup 2022 matches, Vietnam is still making history for coming this far in the game for the first time ever.
Before 2021 comes to an end, we have another historic event to look forward to.
On 11th November, the long-anticipated showdown between Vietnam and Japan for the Group B Asian qualifiers will occur on the football pitch of Mỹ Đình Stadium in Hanoi.
Image credit: Nhân Dân
Despite the team’s recent heartbreaking defeats in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, local fans’ fervent support for our red-shirt warriors is still going strong.
According to Tuổi Trẻ, approximately 12,000 people will show up at Mỹ Đình Stadium to watch the playoff between Vietnam’s national team and Japan’s, which is 28th in the FIFA World Rankings.
In November, local fans can enjoy seeing the Vietnamese team, under coach Park Hang-seo, competing in two games in Mỹ Đình Stadium. The match between Vietnam and Japan will take place at 7PM on 11th November, and that between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia will take place on 16th November at the same time.
Image credit: Google/AFC FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
According to recent showings on AFC, Saudi Arabia tops Group B with 12 points, while Japan is fourth with six. For the time being, Vietnam doesn’t have any points.
The World Cup Qualifiers are the biggest and most anticipated events of the year in Covid-19-stricken Vietnam where half of our year has been spent under movement restrictions.
Needless to say, local fans were more than excited about the news and didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity to watch these epic games between our team and the giants.
Within 20 minutes after being released, all match tickets, ranging from VND500,000 (~USD22.06) to VND1,200,000 (~USD52.95) were sold out in pre-sales.
Mỹ Đình Stadium in Hanoi
Image credit: Người Lao Động
Since these games will take place amid the escalating Covid-19 situation in northern Vietnam, all match-goers must meet certain requirements before they can check in the venue.
When checking in at Mỹ Đình Stadium, match-goers must present a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours, certificates of vaccination against Covid-19 produced no less than fourteen days before, as well as to report their health conditions using QR codes, and mask up at all times.
For fans’ convenience, the stadium management will arrange for match-goers to take quick Covid-19 tests at the stadium. Each test costs VND100,000 (~USD4.41).
After a very long time, Mỹ Đình Stadium will be at full capacity again for the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.
Thanks to all the hard work and sacrifices of our footballers, coaches, and medical workers, we’re finally able to continue seeing our team making historic achievements on home ground.
Let’s stay tuned for amazing matches and stay safe at all times.
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Cover image adapted from: Báo Đồng Nai
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