section 3

In this section a structural problem emerges. The author seems to be reintroducing the book. We will have to see if we can squeeze the offending paragraph into the beginning. Moreover he is introducing theoretical/historiographical concepts in a very clunky way.

The narrative starts here with the return match at Hai Phong.

The epic return match was played at 3:30 p.m, on 10 January 1910 at Stade Haiphonais. The same newspaper carried the news: "Hoi Dap Cau won 8-1 against Hai Phong after trailing 0-1".

Even though this information is relatively minor, the important point is that it comes from a transparent journalistic source. Such sources generally represent a collection of information about sports in general, football/soccer - in particular.

It is certain that football appeared in our country in the last few years of the 19th century, because Westerners came to Indochina and Vietnam to trade. But better military tools, modern sports (among them, football) were brought by the French spirit to invade and occupy Vietnam. Football was brought by the entertainment needs of French soldiers.

In the 20th century, Indochinese countries became French colonies. They were divided into administrative units to be governed; bringing about the birth of regionally defined populations: Cochinchina, Trung Ky, Tonkin, Ai Lao, and Cambodia. Football was loved and admired by everyone in these populations and was rapidly developing across Vietnam. The first area of influence was the Six provinces of the Southern region. 

Football activities were introduced into Vietnam by sailors of European ships at Saigon port. While unloading or loading cargo onto ships, sailors tended to play football as a form of entertainment. The sailors first played football against each other. Subsequently they organised games with the French military soccer team stationed in Saigon. Initially they brought the sport of football to show off and entertain.