INTERNATIONAL: After months of restrictions in Vietnam due to Covid-19 pandemic, finally, soccer fans can now cheer for their own team. Thousands of Vietnamese soccer fans flocked to My Dinh stadium in Hanoi on Thursday, as their national team played against Japan in the Asia Qualification round for the 2022 World Cup.

As many as 500 policemen and security personnel manned checkpoints in Hanoi, to make sure everyone entering the stadium has been vaccinated with at least two shots. Fans were also required to present upon entry a quick test result showing that they have tested negative against the coronavirus.

The Vietnam national team has lost all three previous matches in the qualification without the cheering and support from their fans. Many came to the stadium to show their support, despite coronavirus cases in Hanoi rising the past few days.

Soccer fan, Trinh Viet Thanh says, "It's been too long since I have been able to watch soccer at home. There is no comparison between watching from home and to be here to witness our team play. That's why I have been excited for days for this match and I hope Vietnam will win."

Another fan, Le Hong Lien says, "I am so happy that Vietnam is able to host this match today as the outbreak is somewhat under control. Everyone who is here today is very lucky, and I hope our team will kick off.”

The Japanese are tied for third in Group B with Oman on six points, while Vietnam have lost all four of their matches in this qualification round, after losing only one match in the previous second tier.

^{PHOTO: MY DINH STADIUM IN HANOI; POLICE THOROUGHLY CHECKING VACCINATION PASSES; FANS CHEERING IN STADIUM; SOUNDBITES OF FANS; TEAMS WARMING UP}