Facing the defending champion, Song Lam Nghe An needs 'a warm heart and a cool head'

Find the right strategy

While most teams have completed the first four rounds ofV-League2024/25, then October 19,Nam Dinh Green Steeland Song Lam Nghe An have just entered the first make-up match of round 4. Having to play away against the reigning champion is not an easy thing for Song Lam Nghe An at this time. Because after the first 3 rounds, coach Pham Anh Tuan's team had an unsuccessful start. Song Lam Nghe An has only got 2 points and is temporarily ranked 12th on the rankings.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, Nam Dinh is still considered by experts to be the leading candidate for the 2024/25 National Football Championship. Because in the hands of coach Vu Hong Viet, there are still a series of pillars that brought Nam Dinh to the pinnacle of glory last season.

These include Tran Nguyen Manh, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Nguyen Van Toan, Nguyen Van Cong... Especially in this year's season, Nam Dinh will play with a squad of 3 foreign players + 1 naturalized player. In which, naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son and Hendrio will still be expected to be a dangerous duo for the opponent.

However, in the domestic tournament, Nam Dinh has not really caught up with the momentum. In the opening match of V-League 2024/25, Nam Dinh had to succumb to Hong Linh Ha Tinh with a score of 0-1. However, in round 2, the defending champion quickly returned with a good performance against Quang Nam.

It was thought that Nam Dinh had caught up with the new season after that victory, but with a rather disjointed playing style, coach Vu Quoc Viet's team could not get all 3 points when facing Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

At the end of round 3, Nam Dinh's captain pointed out the limitations: "When the opponents all played deep defense, Nam Dinh could not find space to exploit. In the upcoming matches, we will need to improve our attacking ability."

Through identifying Nam Dinh's form and playing style, at this time, if the opponent finds a reasonable strategy, they can still get a positive result against the reigning champion.

"A warm heart and a cool head"

It must be said that, although there are only 2 points after 3 rounds, if we look back at the way the team plays,Lam River Nghe AnBefore Hong Linh Ha Tinh, there were still positive signs. And the belief in a positive result on Thien Truong Stadium was further reinforced when a series of key players of Song Lam Nghe An returned. In particular, foreign central defender Zaracho will make his second appearance in the Song Lam Nghe An shirt. This player will play the role of leader in the defense of the Nghe An team. Besides, the energetic return of Ho Van Cuong will decide the ability to create sudden attacks on the right wing of Song Lam Nghe An. In addition, Quang Vinh, Dinh Xuan Tien, Long Vu, Manh Quynh, Olaha, Kuku... are also showing confidence to be ready to create an "earthquake" on Thien Truong Stadium.

However, to do this, Song Lam Nghe An needs to show "a warm heart and a cool head". "A warm heart" is the confidence, the desire, and the enthusiasm of the Nghe players; "a cool head" is the need for the coaching staff and the players to be alert in the face of the home team's strength. If Song Lam Nghe An can combine these two things, know how to strike at the right time, and balance the rhythm of play, a positive result at Thien Truong Stadium is not impossible. Hopefully, Nghe An fans will find joy again when the home team travels to Thien Truong Stadium to meet Nam Dinh Steel Blue in round 4 of V-League 2024/25.

The match between Nam Dinh Green Steel and Song Lam Nghe An will take place at 6:00 p.m. on October 19 at Thien Truong Stadium./.