Song Lam Nghe An and the journey to conquer the National Cup: Old scenario, new dream
After a hard-fought silver medal in last year’s National Cup, Song Lam Nghe An is starting a new journey with high expectations and many advantages. As the reigning runner-up, the Nghe An team is not only exempted from the qualifying round but also has the right to dream of a scenario that can repeat or even surpass last season’s achievements.
According to the tournament rules, the six teams include: Hanoi Police (Reigning Champion),Lam River Nghe An(Runner-up), Nam Dinh Steel Blue, Hai Phong Club, Ho Chi Minh City Police and PVF-CAND will be given special permission to go straight to the round of 16. This is an important stepping stone to help these teams save their physical strength and focus all their energy on the V.League arena in the early stages of the season.
For Song Lam Nghe An, this is especially meaningful as they are entering a transitional period with many changes in the squad. Not having to exert all their strength in the qualifying round helps coach Phan Nhu Thuat have more time to complete the squad, adjusting tactics to suit both the domestic tournament and the Cup arena.
Luckily, drawing the code number 8, Song Lam Nghe An will be able to compete consecutively in the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals at home if they overcome each opponent. This is a huge advantage as Vinh Stadium has long been a solid spiritual support for the Nghe An team. Recent statistics show that SLNA often plays explosively when competing under the enthusiastic cheers of home fans.
The solidarity and enthusiasm of the “fire pan of Vinh” not only helps the team increase its chances of winning but also makes any opponent wary. With this advantage, fans have every reason to dream of another magical journey.
Most likely, the first opponent that Song Lam Nghe An will have to face in the round of 16 is SHB Da Nang - the team that they were eliminated in the same round last season. If this scenario happens, this will be the third consecutive time the two teams meet in the round of 16.National Cup.
In the previous two times, each team had 1 victory. The understanding between the two teams, along with the fate of confrontation, will make this match more interesting and traditional than ever. Another victory against SHB Da Nang will not only help Song Lam Nghe An continue, but also give them more confidence in a journey similar to - and even better than - last season.
If they pass the round of 16, Song Lam Nghe An will likely face Nam Dinh - a team with many ambitions this season. When Nam Dinh only has to face teams from the First Division in the first round, the ticket to the quarterfinals seems to be in the hands of coach Vu Hong Viet's team.
However, the lesson from Hanoi FC last season - when they were unexpectedly eliminated by Dong Thap FC right at home - is still a warning for all teams. The National Cup is always a place where many surprises are hidden, and sometimes, it is the seemingly weak names that create earthquakes.
Of course, for Song Lam Nghe An, the fact that Nam Dinh Blue Steel stumbles early on would be the perfect scenario. A strong opponent being eliminated would open up a wider path for the Nghe team in the knockout round.
In their bracket, if everything goes smoothly, Song Lam Nghe An can completely meet Becamex TP.HCM again in the semi-finals - just like last season. The remaining opponents in this bracket such as Cong An TP.HCM, Hong Linh Ha Tinh or Truong Tuoi Dong Nai are all evenly matched teams, considering the depth of the squad and current form.
Therefore, if they maintain stability and make good use of home field advantage, SLNA can completely overcome these challenges to make it to the finals for the second consecutive time.
On the other side, the competition is becoming fiercer than ever. Right from the qualifying round, The Cong Viettel had to face Hanoi Club - two bright names for the championship. The winner of this match will immediately face Hanoi Police - the current champion of the National Cup. Obviously, this bracket is a "death zone" where strong teams have to "scratch their skin and peel their scales" before thinking about the final match.
With a more favorable schedule, plus home field advantage, Song Lam Nghe An possesses many factors to think about a happy ending. If they continue to maintain their form and alertness in each match, the dream of lifting the cup after eight years of waiting is not at all impossible for them.Nghe An fans.
