Football is a team sport. A single moment of brilliance from an individual can decide a match, but a national team’s journey is never built on just a handful of names. The recent friendly victory for Vietnam against Bangladesh serves as a potent reminder of this principle, and a conversation starter about how the team is perceived both within the country and internationally.
The Vietnamese national team has, of late, often been associated with two names: Nguyen Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen – two naturalized players who bring a new dimension to both the physical conditioning and playing style of the squad. Their contributions are undeniable, but when all eyes are focused on a select few, the rest of the team can easily be overshadowed. This focus, while understandable given their impact, risks diminishing the collective strength that underpins any successful side.
Vietnam’s 3-0 win over Bangladesh on March 26th at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi is a detail worth considering. All three goals were scored by domestically-based players: Tuan Hai, Xuan Manh, and Hai Long – all currently playing for Hanoi FC. As Vietnam News reported, this serves as a clear reminder that the team’s strength lies not in a few individual bright spots, but in the depth and cohesion of the entire system. It’s a testament to the strength of the domestic league and the players developed within it.
When a team becomes overly reliant on a few stars, particularly naturalized players, it creates a subtle pressure. Xuan Son and Hoang Hen have become the focal points of this pressure. While their skills are valuable, placing undue emphasis on their performance can inadvertently undermine the confidence and contributions of their teammates. It also sets a high bar for these players, demanding consistent excellence that can be difficult to maintain.
“defining” a team by a few stars not only puts pressure on the rest of the squad but also forces those stars to constantly prove their abilities, sometimes beyond their actual roles within the system. The expectation becomes about individual heroics rather than collective performance.
Meanwhile, domestic players can be compared unfavorably, their roles questioned, or even relegated to the status of “supporting actors.” Yet, they are the foundation that creates stability and depth for the team. Their consistent performance and understanding of the team’s overall strategy are crucial, even if they don’t always grab the headlines.
The shift in how the team is named – from a collective with many key players to a team associated with a few individuals – is therefore something to be viewed with caution. It’s a narrative that can be shaped by media coverage and public perception, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the reality of the team’s dynamics.
World football is no stranger to teams linked with icons, such as Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina with Lionel Messi. Yet, Portugal’s victory at Euro 2016 was the result of a disciplined team effort, not solely Ronaldo’s brilliance. Similarly, Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup was a journey of a complete squad, where every member played an indispensable role. These examples demonstrate that individual stars thrive within a strong team structure, not in isolation.
The media may choose a face to tell a story, but a team cannot be reduced to just a few faces. It’s a complex ecosystem of talent, strategy, and collective effort. A balanced perspective is essential for both accurate reporting and fostering a healthy team environment.
No one can ask fans to diminish their affection for a star player. Emotions are natural, but how one perceives those emotions is a matter of choice. Recognizing the contributions of all team members, not just the headline grabbers, is crucial for a holistic understanding of the team’s success.
Balance is key to understanding that a goal isn’t just about the final finish, but the result of a series of coordinated actions. Balance is essential for telling the story of the team as a whole and ensuring that every player feels valued in the bigger picture. It’s about celebrating the collective achievement, not just individual moments of glory.
Tickets for the friendly match against Bangladesh, held at Hang Day Stadium, were available through the OneU application (formerly VinID) from March 12th to March 19th, or until sold out. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) also began direct sales at the stadium gate on March 25th, with tickets priced at VND 200,000 and VND 300,000.
Looking ahead, the Vietnamese national team will undoubtedly be preparing for upcoming challenges, including the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The lessons learned from the Bangladesh friendly – the importance of collective effort, the strength of the domestic league, and the need for a balanced team narrative – will be crucial as they continue their journey. The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the announcement of the squad for the upcoming qualifiers, and the opportunity to see how the team builds on this recent victory.
What are your thoughts on the balance between individual stars and team cohesion in Vietnamese football? Share your opinions in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.
