HAGL team have made notable improvements in a number of areas, including in terms of their fighting spirit, physical strength and player height. — Photo courtesy of VPF

Football

THANH HÓA — All eyes will be on the upcoming match between Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) and Thanh Hóa in V.League 1 this coming Saturday. This match presents HAGL with a chance to reclaim their top position from Thanh Hóa and allows coach Vũ Tiến Thành to showcase a whole host of new skills.

After four matches, HAGL lost their top spot following a 1-1 draw with Đà Nẵng, while Thanh Hóa secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Bình Định. Thanh Hóa now lead the rankings with nine points, while HAGL sit in second place with eight points. Therefore, this match is crucial for both teams.

A win for HAGL would elevate them back to the top spot with 11 points.

Coach Velizar Popov's Thanh Hóa team are in strong form despite a home loss to Bình Dương in their opening match. They have since defeated Hà Nội Police, Hải Phòng and Bình Định, including two impressive away victories. Thanh Hóa's away streak will be tested against HAGL, a team that remain unbeaten in their last four matches. This sets up a significant challenge for both coaches, Thành and Popov.

In their last seven encounters, HAGL have had the upper hand, boasting four wins and three draws against Thanh Hóa.

HAGL have made notable improvements in various areas, including in terms of their fighting spirit, physical strength and even in player height. The team feature several tall players, such as striker Minh Hiếu (1.82m), centre backs Minh Triệu (1.88m), and Đinh Quang Kiệt (1.94m) and goalkeeper Trần Trung Kiên (1.91m).

Goalkeeper Kiên has been in exceptional form, having kept a clean sheet in three out of four matches in V.League 1. He is expected to represent the U22 Việt Nam team at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand next year. Kiên’s strengths include his form, desire to excel, that impressive height and consistent improvement. His ability to compete for and block high balls has greatly contributed to his success in the national premier league.

HAGL's defence has also seen significant improvement, having conceded only one goal in four matches. Coach Thành has brought in a Brazilian expert to enhance the players' physical conditioning and as a result, the team from the mountainous town are well-organised and competitive.

"Entering a match, there must be a winner and a loser. If you don't play with the spirit of a warrior, you cannot win. It's a war," coach Thành emphasised, highlighting the importance of instilling a fighting spirit in HAGL's players. — VNS