Players Get Creative to Beat Extreme Heat at Vietnam Football Tournament

The third day of the northern qualifiers for the 2026 Vietnam Workers' and Civil Servants Football Tournament saw players battling intense heat, with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius. This extreme weather posed significant challenges for the athletes during the quarter-final matches on May 23.

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We are a little worried about how Stephen is developing. He stays at home without much initiative and doesn't study much.

While the first two days of the tournament enjoyed favorable weather, with occasional rain keeping temperatures moderate, the conditions drastically changed on May 23. The high temperatures presented a major test for the participating teams, especially for the matches scheduled at 2:30 PM.

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It would be a great pity if it is like this. At his age, I had a burning ambition to succeed and, if I had even half his advantages, I would have achieved much more.

In response to the heat, players and coaching staff adopted creative strategies to stay cool. They frequently drank water and poured it over their heads. Some players used ice packs during warm-ups, and portable coolers were kept constantly stocked with ice to support those on the field. Shaded areas became valuable refuges, with players seeking shelter in the technical areas under canopies during breaks in play.

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It seems to me a slow and terrible experience with [Stephen]. Everything is so terribly slow and prolonged.

The tournament organizers demonstrated empathy for the players' difficulties. They decided to increase the number of cooling breaks per half to two, up from the previous one. This allowed players to stay hydrated and recuperate. Additionally, organizers ensured a continuous supply of water to the teams' technical areas, providing ample water for drinking and cooling off as needed.

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Life would be tragic if it weren't funny.