These days, in Long Phi hamlet (Long Thuan commune, Tay Ninh province), the story that people mention most is the journey of central defender Pham Ly Duc in the U23 Vietnam jersey.
The son from Tay Ninh is creating an impression with his teammates in the continental arena, making the atmosphere around his family's small house always bustling.
In front of the young center-back's home field, the laughter of neighbors echoed throughout the day. Everyone eagerly waited until the evening of January 20, the time when U23 Vietnam entered the important semi-final match.
In the familiar kitchen, Mrs. Tran Thi Diep - Ly Duc's mother, quickly cut the dough into square pieces to prepare for frying and selling in the afternoon, and chatted excitedly with neighbors about the upcoming match.
I hope U23 Vietnam will continue to win against U23 China to win a ticket to the final. Anyone can score, but must win. If Ly Duc scores a goal back, there will be a bonus.
I heard people say this match will be very difficult. Now I am eagerly waiting for the good news of U23 Vietnam's victory," Ms. Diep shared in a very excited mood.
Not only his mother, Mr. Pham Van Tuan - father of center-back Pham Ly Duc also pays full attention to the team. In the morning, he and his friends sat in coffee to discuss the semi-final match, giving quite careful analyses. As a football lover, Mr. Tuan appreciates the certainty of U23 China, but still places his trust in U23 Vietnam.
Throughout the past 4 matches, U23 China has played very tightly. Winning is not easy. But I believe U23 Vietnam will do it. U23 Vietnam is more diverse, so I believe I will defeat U23 China. And winning against the Chinese team is very happy," Mr. Tuan said.
According to Mr. Tuan, after each match, Ly Duc calls home to share the joy. Although he often "criticizes more than praises" when commenting on his son's performance, that is how he wants Ly Duc to constantly improve himself. "I am really proud of my son. I want Ly Duc to always be more effortful, more progressive," he confided.
Tonight, Mr. Tuan and his wife plan to stay up late together to watch the semi-final match through a broken screen corner. He once thought about bringing the TV to the front of the house to watch with neighbors, but because the match took place late and the equipment was no longer intact, the family decided to quietly watch their son from inside the house, sending all their faith and expectations to U23 Vietnam.
