I still remember watching that 2022 Governors' Cup semifinal match with a mix of pride and nostalgia, thinking how far Vietnamese football has come since I first started following our national team's journey. When I heard Calvin Tolentino recall his time with Ginebra, his eyes sparkling while remembering how they won with Justin Brownlee, it struck me how similar our football journey has been - that beautiful combination of international experience and local talent creating something magical. Vietnam's soccer transformation over the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable, and having witnessed much of this evolution firsthand, I can confidently say we're just getting started.
The real turning point came around 2016 when the Vietnam Football Federation implemented what I consider one of the most intelligent football development systems in Southeast Asia. They didn't just throw money at the problem - they built from the grassroots while strategically bringing in international expertise where it mattered most. I've had the privilege of speaking with several youth coaches who've been part of this system, and they consistently mention how the focus shifted from just winning matches to developing technically proficient players who could compete internationally. The numbers speak for themselves - Vietnam's youth teams have qualified for 12 major international tournaments since 2016, compared to just 3 in the previous decade. Our U23 team's runner-up finish at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship wasn't a fluke; it was the result of systematic development that began when those players were in their early teens.
What fascinates me most about Vietnam's approach is how we've balanced learning from international models while maintaining our unique football identity. We studied Japan's systematic approach, borrowed elements from European youth academies, but always adapted them to suit our players' characteristics. The technical development emphasis has produced players comfortable on the ball, capable of the quick passing game that has become our trademark. I've noticed how our players now move with a different kind of confidence on the international stage - they're no longer just happy to participate but genuinely believe they can compete with established football nations. This mental shift, combined with improved technical ability, has been crucial to our recent successes.
The domestic V-League has played an underappreciated role in this transformation. While many focus on our national team achievements, the league's steady improvement has provided the crucial platform for player development. Average attendance has grown from about 8,000 per match in 2015 to nearly 16,000 in the most recent season, creating the kind of pressure-cooker environments that prepare players for international competitions. Foreign players and coaches have raised the level while transferring knowledge to local talent - much like how Tolentino described learning from and winning with Justin Brownlee. This blend of local passion and international quality creates the perfect breeding ground for development.
Looking ahead, I'm particularly excited about our chances in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup. The current squad has an average age of just 24.3 years, suggesting we haven't even seen their peak yet. With approximately 65% of the starting lineup having international tournament experience at youth levels, these players have been preparing for this moment for years. The infrastructure investment has been impressive too - Vietnam now has 32 certified football academies compared to just 7 in 2010, and the number of AFC-licensed coaches has increased from 89 to over 400 in the same period. These numbers matter because they represent the foundation upon which sustained success is built.
If I'm being completely honest, the area where we still need significant improvement is in developing players who can succeed in top European leagues. While we've had players like Cong Phuong and Xuan Truong get opportunities abroad, none have truly established themselves at the highest level yet. This represents the next frontier for Vietnamese football - producing players who can not only compete internationally with the national team but can also thrive in Europe's top leagues. The recent success of Japanese and South Korean players in Europe shows what's possible for Asian footballers, and I believe Vietnamese players have the technical ability to follow similar paths.
The future looks bright, but it's not without challenges. Maintaining the current development trajectory requires continued investment and smart planning. We need to ensure that the success of our golden generation inspires the next wave of players rather than becoming an unrepeatable peak. From what I've observed of the current youth setup and the federation's long-term planning, I'm optimistic that we're building something sustainable rather than just enjoying a temporary golden period. The journey from regional contender to consistent Asian force has been incredible to witness, and something tells me the best chapters of Vietnam's football story are still being written.