Head coach of U13 Song Lam Nghe An highly appreciates U13 Hoang Anh Gia Lai before the decisive match

On the afternoon of June 10, the much-anticipated match in Group E of the 2025 National U13 Championship qualifiers will take place between two famous "youth training centers":U13 Song Lam Nghe Anand U13 Hoang Anh Gia Lai. This is the fourth round match, also a key encounter in the race for a ticket to the next round.

Speaking before the match, head coach Nguyen Van Vinh of U13 SLNA affirmed: “U13 HAGL is a very formidable team. Through two matches, they have won both matches and shown very good professional skills. Even technique, superior physique and ability to perfect tactics show that this is a strong team. We have great respect for them and ask the whole team not to be subjective.”

Despite having an advantage of 9 absolute points after three wins, Mr. Vinh said SLNA is still not sure of a place in the next round according to the tournament's regulations: "Therefore, the match against HAGL is an opportunity for us to decide for ourselves. The goal is to gain points to ensure a ticket to the final round."

Through the first 3 matches, U13 Song Lam Nghe An has demonstrated high discipline and team spirit. 7 goals scored and no goals conceded is clear evidence of the even strength of the team from Nghe An.

What is more noteworthy, according to coach Nguyen Van Vinh, is the contribution of the entire team, regardless of whether they are starting or reserve players: “The players, whether they are registered to play or not, all demonstrate a high sense of responsibility. The reserve players always support and encourage their teammates, while the main players enter the field with great determination, follow the tactics, and play with discipline. This is the key factor for the team to achieve good results.”

One of the factors that made the U13 SLNA team's journey in the qualifying round more difficult was the quality of the field. Specifically, the field at the Dak Lak Sports Training and Competition Center - where the matches of Group E took place - was assessed to be quite bad, significantly affecting the technical playing style of the teams.

“We tend to control the ball and coordinate short distances. Therefore, the bad grass greatly affects the team's playing style,” Mr. Vinh shared. “Only teams that play with strength and high balls can somewhat minimize the impact of the field. However, the positive thing is that SLNA players quickly adapted, overcoming all difficulties with the field and the unpredictable rainy and sunny weather to achieve the desired results."

The quick adaptation, not blaming the situation but knowing how to overcome difficulties has proven the commendable efforts of coach Nguyen Van Vinh and his team.

Although they have 9 points after 3 wins, according to Mr. Vinh, the match against HAGL is still the "final match in the qualifying round" of the group. Therefore, the U13 SLNA coaching staff will have to have a really reasonable strategy if they want to get points against their direct opponent.

“We have won 3 matches, but that does not mean we can be complacent. HAGL has an annoying playing style, the players are agile and smart in handling the ball. Every mistake can cost us dearly. Therefore, in the last training session before the match, the whole team will have a tactical meeting and propose the best plan,” said Mr. Vinh.

It is expected that U13 SLNA will continue to stick to their familiar controlling style of play, but will have flexible adjustments to cope with the physical pressure from U13 HAGL. “We need more diverse options, to be able to take advantage of long balls when necessary, and at the same time, we must stay alert throughout the 60 minutes of play,” he emphasized.

With stable performance, solidarity and flexible guidance from the coaching staff, U13 SLNA is facing a great opportunity to win a ticket to the next round.

The match between U13 Song Lam Nghe An and U13 Hoang Anh Gia Lai will take place on the afternoon of June 10, at the stadium of the Dak Lak Province Sports Training and Competition Center.