(VOVworld) – Vietnamese football fans are eagerly counting down to the friendly match between Arsenal and the Vietnamese national squad on July 17^th in Hanoi. Ngoc Anh reports on the atmosphere prior to this long awaited game.

The football atmosphere has heated up in every corner in Hanoi with football fans excitedly talking about the upcoming friendly against Arsenal. Though the match is yet to take place, the Gunners have received considerable support and applause from Vietnamese fans via Twitter, Facebook and Arsenal’s fan page. Tran Duc Thang says that Arsenal has always been his favorite because of their eye catching attacking style since the inauguration of the Premier League: “Arsenal is my favorite team and there are a huge number of Arsenal fans in Vietnam. I’ve been expecting this match for a long time. I hope there will be a draw and the two teams will play with dedication.”

Vietnamese fans prepare to welcome the Gunners

Each fan has their own way of expressing their love for football and for Arsenal in particular. They can either go to the stadium or just watch the game on TV but what really matters is their passion and love for the game. Dang Quang Tho is a taxi driver in Hanoi: “This is an honor for Vietnamese football because we have rarely had any friendly matches with world famous clubs such as this. I hope that this event will help enhance the Vietnamese fans’ love and support for the national team.”

The match will be a chance for the fans to see their stars and idols in person. Nguyen Hue Chi says it would be great if she could get a picture or an autograph of any of the Gunners: “Arsenal is a world famous club and we will be very lucky to see the players in person. Thousands of people have been queuing to buy tickets for the match. Services such as face painting and souvenir selling have been booming.”

Vietnamese fans waiting to buy tickets for the friendly match

Pham Do Thanh expresses his love for the national football squad: “This is the first time that a British club has come to Vietnam with its first and best team. I’m lucky enough to have a ticket to watch this historic game. I hope that Vietnam will be able to invite other famous clubs like Arsenal for friendly matches in the future.”

Arsene Wenger and his players will arrive in Hanoi on July 15^th. They will meet with Vietnamese fans and then play a friendly match against the Vietnamese national team on July 17^th.