“Why Canada Should Keep an Eye on the US vs. Vietnam World Cup Match”

Who do we root for? Why US vs. Vietnam World Cup match is complicated for my family

By Aimee Phan | Opinion Contributor

When my family saw the schedule for the World Cup this summer, we were filled with both delight and dread. As longtime soccer fans, we looked forward to the prospect of witnessing a historic three-peat by the U.S. Women’s National Team. We also were thrilled to learn that Vietnam had qualified for the World Cup for the first time in history. But when we learned that these squads would face each other in their opening match for the global tournament, we felt uneasy.

Vietnamese Americans and their complex feelings

This matchup is complicated for Vietnamese Americans, who have contended with these two nations’ fraught history for most of our lifetimes. Vietnamese American communities still struggle with their feelings about their homeland, since many escaped the communist regime after the war. It has been five decades since the war’s end, but traumatic and bitter memories linger, especially for the older generations.

The role of soccer in my family

Soccer has played a surprisingly significant role in my life, despite the fact that I have never played the sport. With refugee parents who worked multiple jobs, my brother and I were not allowed to play sports. However, my father was a huge soccer fan. Soccer provided an escape for my father from his distressing memories of war and displacement. He would exclaim over every goal and marvel at the skills of the players, regardless of their gender.

In 1999, my father and brother attended the World Cup final, where they witnessed Brandi Chastain’s famous penalty goal against China. The result, with the United States winning against a former colonizer of Vietnam, brought my father great joy.

Complex loyalties and global politics

Global politics and relations have always played a role in sports, and fans cannot help but root for their country against former foes or allies. Vietnamese Americans who are still angry at the communist regime will cheer for the United States, while those who have returned to Vietnam may have more complicated loyalties. As someone who has experienced the challenge of identity as a Vietnamese American, I understand the struggle of choosing between two countries.

What soccer means to my Vietnamese American children

My children have grown up in a different environment, surrounded by people of diverse backgrounds. They have been exposed to multiple sports and activities, and both of them continue to play soccer at the youth competitive club level. I am proud to see the diversity in their teams, which is a far cry from the all-white squads I witnessed growing up. They want to cheer for their favorite players without guilt, and I want to see Vietnamese players shine on the international stage.

Vietnam’s remarkable journey and economic disparities

Vietnam’s qualification for the World Cup is an incredible accomplishment. The team is young and untested, still finding their footing in the world of women’s soccer. On the other hand, the U.S. Women’s National Team is the clear favorite to win the tournament. The World Cup serves as a reminder of the global economic disparities among its participants. While the U.S. team has fought for gender equality, many international women’s teams struggle for basic support in their home countries.

Celebrating diversity and unity

On the day of the match, my family plans to serve American and Vietnamese appetizers for our game watching party. My children are excited for the start of the World Cup, and their enthusiasm goes beyond nationalities. They care more about soccer and the joy it brings. For the Vietnamese players, they carry the hopes of their nation. Vietnam is much more than its history, and these women will demonstrate on a global stage that they can play the beautiful game.

Overall, the US vs. Vietnam World Cup match is complicated for my family and many Vietnamese Americans. It brings up complex emotions tied to history, identity, and global politics. However, it also provides an opportunity for celebration, unity, and the power of sports to transcend boundaries.