Hanoi Diary Day 6 The match vs Vietnam in the 2010 Suzuki Cup

On the way to My Dinh Stadium for the match with Vietnam, it seemed as if there was one huge party going on in the streets as fans hung out on street corners waving flags and scarves. The fans cheered us against Singapore and we knew that this time around they’d be against us.

At times, I felt as if we were like fish inside an aquarium. People would look at us with cat-like curiosity when the bus would traverse Hanoi’s scooter and motorbike-filled streets. Rock stars? Not exactly because it’s not there was a crush of humanity besieging the players for pics or autographs.

The bus. We had a motorcycle escort going to and from the stadium. One guy held a traffic stick to direct the motorists (read: mostly bikers) to stay out of our way. Really! This is Vietnam with a hardline government. We saw the cops hit and push a few motorcycle riders who didn’t comply right away and we sat in stunned silence when we saw it. Turns out that it was not the worst these guys saw. In Laos, an even more totalitarian state, the motorcycle cops would kicks the cyclists out of the way and to hell whatever happens to the riders. Incredible!

When we arrived, the biggest story or coffee shop talk was about Singapore and Vietnam racking up goals and the PFF corruption case. Not only were the media people aware of the situation back home but also the other national teams. Honestly, it was embarrassing.

During the evening of December 1, I was chatting with a bunch of other representatives from other teams and one of them asked me, “Do you think you can win?”

I said, “Of course. You’ll see.”

They laughed. Now they’re still shaking their heads. I told Simon McMenemy and Dan Palami before we all left Manila that I have a good feeling about this tournament. It is easy to say that but call it a gut feel.

So when we left the Sheraton for My Dinh, the vibe was still there but there was something missing. I’m not the superstitious sort but I quickly raced to the back of the bus (I sit way up front beside Phil Younghusband and the coach since I’m last one and first one out to video tape our journey). I went up to Ed Sacapaño and Yanti Bersales and told them to begin singing.

Most of the people on our team bus have their headphones and iPods on, Ed and Yanti share an iPod and God knows what songs there are within. But before the match versus Singapore, they sang “Bayan Ko.”

I wasn’t going to spoil a routine. So the duo began to lead the locals in song while the others smiled at the asintonado voices.

When we got to My Dinh, Singapore was down to Myanmar 0-1. The Vietnamese wanted nothing more than the Lions to lose because they know the Singaporeans are a tough team.

The atmosphere was absolutely electric. It’s not the first time I’ve experienced huge crowds. I’ve watched NFL matches with about 60K-plus up there hollering their head off. I’ve seen football matches with the stadium filled to the capacity. But this is the first I’ve been to a match with the national team (since the 1991 SEA Games Men’s Basketball Finals) where the stadium was packed to the rafters with the Philippine team seeing action.

Was I nervous? Of course. I’d be a liar if I said otherwise. Was the crowd a factor? As a journalist, it is my job to be aware of what goes on around me. So, yes. But for the lads on the pitch? Yes and no. The Mexican wave was going on non-stop for about 10 minutes. That was frigging crazy. An awesome sight to behold. Before the game began, Cedelf Tupas and I went outside to buy souvenirs. I purchased a Nike Vietnam jersey. We had our pics taken with fans and all these pretty girls all over. Hahaha.

I positioned myself behind the Vietnam goal but was surprised when the officials ordered a switch.

Anyways, you all know the result by now and have read articles all about it. After Chris Greatwich headed his second goal of the tournament, some of the Vietnamese photographers beside me shook my hand. “Your team score a goal.” they said.

They were gracious. Even after their team lost, their fans – at least those who stayed behind – clapped their hands and waved at us. It was a joyous scene that I captured on my digicam. I couldn’t reload my DVD cam because I was afraid I’d miss out some key moments. That was an incredible game. We got nervous every time Vietnam would attack. The defense held, Neil Etheridge was awesome, and we were lucky that guys like Nguyen Anh Duc missed volleys from close range.

But one of the lasting images that I will take with me is that of Phil Younghusband. I lost track – what four or five vicious tackles on him that did not even merit a red card. I know that the refs wanted to make it home alive but still… Anyways, Phil. For two hours he vomited straight and kept fellow striker Ian Araneta up all night (Ian was helping Phil). Younghusband was real weak but when the match started, he dug deep into his reservoir of guts and determination. When I asked him how he kept going, he said all he wanted to do was quiet the stadium of 40,000 people. When he did just that with a goal, you could see how weak he was as his celebration was somewhat tempered.

It’s a crying shame that the Younghusbands have no proper venue to showcase their talent. They are fantastic footballers as are many on the team. I told them after the Suzuki Cup is done, they should try out for those pro clubs in Singapore or Australia. They are considering that by the way.

Did any of us sleep that night? Few did. We kept replaying in our mind’s eye what was accomplished hours ago. What a moment!