Football

V.League 1's best striker Nguyễn Xuân Son (No 14) of Nam Định seen in action in the match between Nam Định and Tampines Rovers on October 24 in Singapore. Two sides will play the second leg match on November 6 at Thiên Trường Stadium. Photo of Thép Xanh Nam Định FC

NAM ĐỊNH — Thép Xanh Nam Định coach Vũ Hồng Việt is looking for a win over Tampines Rovers when they meet again at the match day four in the AFC Champions Two at the Thiên Trường Stadium.

In their first clash two weeks ago in Singapore, Việt Nam champions Nam Định, despite being considered a stronger side, struggled to draw with the hosts 3-3 in the last minutes of the match.

Returning to home ground, Việt believes that the team's careful preparation and local supporters would be weapons helping Nam Định bag three points.

“After the first leg's draw, we were back home and practised hard for the second match. We know that it is an important match because if we win we will have big chance to going further in this tournament," said Việt, at a press briefing on November 5.

Việt said in Singapore, Nam Định which are placed second in the standing, had to compete on artificial grass of the Jalan Besar Stadium, something they had only been able to practice on twice and it was this, the unfamiliar turf, which prevented his players from playing well.

In the last two weeks, coaches and players have been completing deep analysis on Tampines Rovers to find out both two sides' strong and weak points, trying to make up their own shortcomings.

"We are working hard to fix our mistakes and be ready for the match. We want a win and keep our sheet safe," said Việt, adding that Nam Định's crazy supporters would be an added motivation for them.

Regarding his line up, Việt confirmed that his local striker Nguyễn Văn Toàn would not play due to injury. It would be a disadvantage for the team but he believed that the substitutes would step up.

Thép Xanh Nam Định coach Vũ Hồng Việt at a press briefing on November 5. Photo of VFF

Some foreign players of the clubs were rested in the domestic league last week and they would be on the field to score for Nam Định, he said.

Taking part in the briefing, captain and goalkeeper Trần Nguyên Mạnh said the match against Tampines Rovers was a crucial one, as the Singaporean champions were the direct rival vying for the Group G's pass to the next round.

Agreeing with Việt, Mạnh pointed out that supporters' encouragement would boost the team and Nam Định would give their all for a win.

For the opposing team, Tampines Rovers' coach Gavin Lee appreciated Nam Định's powerful play, with many high-quality players.

"They have eight foreigners in the team and each of them has their own strong point, which is potential danger for us," said Lee.

"But their substitutes are also good too. And of course, their supporters will back the team like ours did for us in the previous game. It is a big advantage of playing on home turf, isn't it?"

Lee said Tampines Rovers, third in the table, do not have any long-term plans in this tournament, they just focused on match by match, doing the best on the field and being their best version for each game.

In other match of Group G, leader Bangkok United of Thailand will host last-placed Lee Man of Hong Kong at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani. VNS