TRIBLOG

by Keeshannan Sundaresan, Chief Editor of Football Tribe Malaysia Credit: AFC It was surreal. One day before a massive, massive decider against Saudi Arabia, Malaysian U-23 boss, Datuk Ong Kim Swee universally declared his intention to attack their opponents and go for a win. Best part? His statement was in response to Vietnam’s 1-0 win over Australia, which was yielded through a complete smash and grab performance. I clearly remember talking to a few friends and going: “Is he for real? Did he just say Vietnam’s win didn’t mean much because they were conservative on the pitch? Did he say that just one day before a cruncher against the mighty Saudis?” Malaysian football’s battle with inferiority complex has been ongoing for the last two decades or so, which if there are any individuals who have stood up against it, it’s Datuk Ong Kim Swee. From his mind-blowing team talk at the the 2011 SEA Games to all the young talents that have been moulded under him, Ong ha

by Mihyun Chung, Chief Editor of Football Tribe Korea  My first boss at my first full-time job was this man - this man who is smart, clever, and confident. He never likes yes man, so is always open to challenges. He always protects his staff and presents a very clear vision and direction. He has got all the attributes that any boss would need.  Except that he supports Manchester United.  He is a big Man Utd fan. I still remember him saying "I'm very upset now because that Van Gaal sold Chicharito." It was very clear United was THE TEAM. So when asked which team I supported in Premiership, I did say "Glory Glory Manchester United," while Man Utd is the only team that I hate in England.  Not long after did I figure out he is more than happy with challenges. So I confessed that I do not support United.  Ever since then, every day at work was fun. He loves sarcastic jokes; and he absolutely adores football banter or even trash talks. That i

by Trung Nguyen, Chief Editor of Football Tribe Vietnam Miracle rarely happens. In the beginning of 2018, we experienced it several times. Since the moment the ball flew off from that left foot of U-23 Vietnam’s Quang Hai and made a miraculous curve into U-23 Korea’s net, a fire of belief was lit up. Unfortunately defeated in the first match of the group stage, Coach Park Hang Seo’s boys created another incredible performance, which resulted in a win against the champion contender Australia; and back it up with a hard-fought draw against Syria. Going to the tournament with the target of 1 point during the group stage, surpassing everyone’s prediction, the young men are through to the quarter-final. Against Iraq, many thought “this is as far as they can go; Vietnam will be crushed”. As I’m writing this, I still got goose-bump remembering Van Duc ’s equalizer in the extra-time and the heroic penalty shoot-out performance of GK Bui Tien Dung. That night, the country was not sle

by Davide Ucchedu, Financial Manager of Football Tribe  On 1st February 2017, Football Tribe was born. It has been a wonderful year; so difficult, but yet so wonderful.  I still remember my first trip to Vietnam and Thailand before Football Tribe started.  I left Italia to Japan when I was around 24. I had never visited other countries except for Japan.  And then we decided to launch Football Tribe and my life changed so fast.  Vietnam was my first destination. When I landed in Hanoi, the first thing I saw on the street was a little bike carrying a big orange tree. Soon after, I realised all people on the street were carrying something incredibly big, such trees or furniture.  Then I thought, 'I have to travel more; I want to see different cultures. And I WANT TO WATCH A FOOTBALL MATCH HERE.'  My friend working with us introduced Hanoi FC to me. That friend gave me a Hanoi FC shirt as a gift though; I should go root for them some time. However, there was no m