Quang Nam vs. SLNA: A split chance?

(Baonghean.vn) - At 5 PM on June 28th, at Tam Ky Stadium, Coach Hoang Van Phuc's team will host visitors from Vinh City in the 15th round of the V.League 2017. Will the Quang Nam team extend their unbeaten streak against their opponent to four matches, or will SLNA successfully avenge their defeat in the first leg?

The away team's revenge

More than four months have passed since Quang Nam unexpectedly defeated SLNA right on their home ground in Vinh with an unbelievable comeback. Neither the players, coaching staff, nor the fans of Nghe An province can forget that "terrifying" afternoon. In just 37 minutes, Henry and The Cuong put the home team ahead after a series of relentless attacks, with the game largely dominated by SLNA players.

Entering the halftime break, few believed Quang Nam still had a chance to earn points. Indeed, in football, anything can happen, even in the most "crazy" scenarios. Unlike what unfolded in the first half, the second 45 minutes saw a dramatic shift in the game. SLNA conceded four goals in quick succession, watching the visitors leave Nghe An with all three points.

SLNA players protested the decision not to penalize Thiago for his foul on goalkeeper Nguyen Manh. Photo: Internet

While acknowledging the referee Nguyen Trung Kien B's mistake (Nguyen Manh was fouled by Thiago, leading to Claudecir's goal in the 72nd minute that put SLNA ahead 3-2), the main reason for SLNA's defeat was the lack of focus, carelessness, and overconfidence of the home team's players. The loss to Quang Nam sparked a wave of criticism from Nghe An fans directed at Nguyen Manh and his teammates.

In the upcoming rematch, SLNA will not have many major changes in terms of personnel except for striker Henry - who scored the opening goal in the first leg - who will no longer be present at Vinh Stadium. Certainly, in this match against Quang Nam in round 15, the Nghe An team will only field Olaha as their foreign player. The top spot in SLNA's attack will be occupied by young player Phuc Tinh.

The trio of Van Khanh, Sy Nam, and Van Vinh have returned after their suspensions, giving coach Nguyen Duc Thang more options for each position. In addition, Ngoc Hai, Khac Ngoc, Olaha, and others are in good form, which is a favorable condition for SLNA to be more confident in the match at Tam Ky Stadium.

The disappointment from the draw against Than Quang Ninh will be left behind, giving way to a burning desire for revenge against the team from Quang Nam.

The homeowner is thriving.

The 3-0 victory away against the tough Sanna Khanh Hoa team marked the fourth consecutive win in about a month for Coach Hoang Van Phuc's team. High spirits and brilliant form are evident in the Quang Nam team. Objectively speaking, Quang Nam, and not any other team, is the "dark horse" of the 2017 V.League.

Looking at the names of the teams Thanh Trung and his teammates have defeated so far, it's easy to see just how dangerous the team from Tam Ky Stadium is. Hanoi FC, Than Quang Ninh, B. Binh Duong... are just some of the teams that have tasted defeat at the hands of coach Hoang Van Phuc's squad. Their third-place finish with 23 points after 14 rounds isn't simply due to luck.

Coach Hoang Van Phuc's squad is highly regarded for both its talent and experience. Notable players include Vietnam national team captain Thanh Trung, former U23 Vietnam player Thanh Hung, and three foreign players: Thiago, Claudecir, and Dai Duong (naturalized)... creating a cohesive and passionate team.

Striker Claudecir (in white shirt) scored a brace against SLNA in the first leg match between the two teams. Photo: Internet

Playing against SLNA at home is a significant advantage for the Quang Nam team. In the 6 matches played at their home ground, Tam Ky Stadium, in the first phase of the 2017 V.League, Coach Hoang Van Phuc's team remained undefeated (2 wins, 4 draws). Clearly, facing a manageable opponent like SLNA will be an opportunity for Quang Nam to extend their winning streak to 5 matches. It's worth remembering that in the return match last season, SLNA was also thrashed 2-0 by Quang Nam.

With the home advantage, the head-to-head record in the last three matches, and two more foreign players, the Quang Nam team theoretically has the edge over Nguyen Duc Thang's side. A victory won't be easy for the Tam Ky home team, but a point is within reach for Thanh Trung and his teammates.

Thanh Hung