Bangkok Utd 1-3 Nam Dinh: Xuan Son leads the way to victory

On the pitch of BG Stadium on the evening of December 17th, a high-energy Nam Dinh team defeated Bangkok United 3-1. The highlight of the victory came from Xuan Son: he directly scored the goal that increased the score to 2-0, put pressure on Bangkok United in the opening play, and was the biggest bright spot in the Vietnamese team's attack. The three points propelled Nam Dinh to the top of Group B of the Shopee Cup right on Thai soil.

The turning point came with Lucas Alves's moment and Xuan Son's comeback.

Nam Định entered the match with a physical advantage after the V-League break, while Bangkok United was mired in a crisis of form. However, the first half did not unfold as expected with an immediate burst of energy. Both teams started cautiously, prioritizing safety and space control over taking risks by pushing forward.

In the first 15 minutes, there were almost no clear-cut dangerous shots on goal. Coach Jeronimo's players repeatedly brought the ball into the opponent's half but were met with a dense, low-lying, and tight defense from Bangkok United. This approach forced Nam Dinh to be patient, waiting for small opportunities on the flanks or set pieces.

In the 28th minute, the first notable opportunity arose. From a powerful throw-in by Walber Mota, Xuan Son positioned himself well, leaping high to execute a backward header. This move showcased the striker's ability to move within the penalty area, although the shot missed the target. In the 35th minute, he was again the center of attention when he fell inside the Bangkok United penalty area, but the referee refused to award Nam Dinh a penalty, further increasing the visitors' frustration.

The turning point of the first half came in the very last minute of regular time. Following a well-coordinated attack, the ball was sent into the Bangkok United penalty area, creating a chaotic situation in front of goalkeeper Khammai's goal. Xuan Son managed a shot, but the ball deflected off a home team defender. Before the Bangkok United defense could settle down, center-back Lucas Alves unexpectedly surged forward like a striker, executing a skillful curling shot. The ball traveled on a difficult trajectory, finding the back of the net and giving Nam Dinh a 1-0 lead in the 45th minute.

This was not only the opening goal but also a prime example of how Nam Dinh effectively utilized second balls and the involvement of central defenders in attacking situations, especially when the opponent defended in large numbers.

Second half explodes: Percy Tau wreaks havoc, Xuan Son and Ngoc Son finish the job.

A late goal in the first half gave Nam Dinh a much more relaxed mindset going into the second half. This boost in morale quickly translated into direct, high-speed plays, especially on the right flank, where Percy Tau consistently made an impact.

In the 49th minute, the Vietnamese team doubled their lead with a well-executed individual play. Percy Tau, the most energetic player on the field, made a powerful run down the right wing to the byline before delivering a pass back. The ball landed perfectly for Xuan Son. The striker, recently returned from injury, reacted at the right moment, controlling the ball delicately to beat goalkeeper Khammai and make it 2-0.

This goal showcased Xuan Son's spatial awareness: choosing the right space between the defenders and finishing with just one touch. For a striker who has just returned to the game, finding his rhythm well and finishing neatly in a crucial situation is a positive sign for both him personally and the Nam Dinh attack.

But the nightmare for Bangkok United didn't end there; it continued for less than 10 minutes. In the 58th minute, Percy Tau once again wreaked havoc on the home team's defense with a powerful shot, forcing goalkeeper Khammai to make a difficult save. The ball rebounded right to where Ngoc Son was waiting. In a favorable position but with a rather narrow angle, the player wearing number 27 unleashed a decisive shot, increasing the score to 3-0 for Nam Dinh.

Two consecutive goals in just over 10 minutes at the start of the second half highlighted the significant difference in tempo and opportunism between the two teams. Nam Dinh capitalized on moments of lapses in concentration from their opponents, while Bangkok United failed to reorganize their defense quickly enough after the initial dangerous attacks.

A focused defense, a late goal conceded, and the advantage of being at the top of the table.

Leading 3-0 away from home, Nam Dinh had the opportunity to adjust the pace of the game, reducing their risky play and prioritizing solidity. The visiting team's defense played disciplined for most of the match, minimizing space in the penalty area and firmly protecting Nguyen Manh's goal.

Nevertheless, Bangkok United managed to score a consolation goal in the 85th minute. Taking advantage of a rare moment of lapse in concentration from the Nam Dinh defense, captain Wisarut rushed in and finished from close range, reducing the score to 1-3. This goal served as a reminder to the Vietnamese team that concentration needs to be maintained for the full 90 minutes, especially in cup competitions where goal difference can be a crucial factor.

Nevertheless, the overall match showed that Nam Dinh controlled the game well, knew how to accelerate at the right time, and thoroughly exploited Bangkok United's psychological and form weaknesses. The 3-1 victory on Thai soil not only brought them three crucial points but also helped Xuan Son and his teammates climb to the top of Group B in the Shopee Cup, creating a significant advantage in the race for the top spot.

With a striker like Xuan Son returning from injury, one goal, direct involvement in the opening goal, and frequent presence in dangerous situations provide a foundation for Nam Dinh to expect an even more explosive period in the remainder of the campaign.

Notable statistics from the Bangkok Utd 1-3 Nam Dinh match.

Starting lineup

Bangkok Utd: Khammai, Selanon, Everton, Manuel Bihr, Notechaiya, Thitiphan Puangchan, Anan, Zakaria Jradi, Mahmoud Eid, Luka Adzic, Al Ghassani.

Nam Dinh: Nguyen Manh, Van Vi, Waiber Mota, Hong Duy, Lucas Alves, Kevin Pham Ba, Tau Percy, Romulo, Tuan Anh, Caio Cesar, Xuan Son.