Football

Thép Xanh Nam Định coaches, players and staff celebrate their win and seasonal victory after beating Quảng Nam 2-0 on June 15. — Photo courtesy of Thép Xanh Nam Định FC

HÀ NỘI — Thép Xanh Nam Định coach Vũ Hồng Việt praised his players and said the team overcame huge challenges to defend their V.League 1 title, after the reigning champions defeated Quảng Nam 2-0 in the penultimate round of the national premier league on June 15.

Lý Công Hoàng Anh and Lâm Ti Phông scored for the visiting side in the 10th and 90th minutes of the match, leading the team to victory.

It was just one great match in an outstanding performance throughout the season that helped them win with one game in hand.

"It is really tough to win the V.League 1. It is much more difficult to defend it," a proud and emotional Việt told reporters at the press briefing after the match in Tam Kỳ Stadium.

"I am really happy and excited at the moment, as after nine months of hard work and training we have earned such a great result."

Nam Định met many challenges in their title defending campaign since the beginning of the season, when many of their key players – including top striker Nguyễn Xuân Son and keeper Nguyễn Văn Toàn – were sidelined because of injuries.

Việt said it was so difficult that in some games, he just barely had enough healthy players to put 11 on the field. However, the team's spirit, solidarity and constant efforts helped them overcome everything.

“My players have given their best and contributed all they could in every match. I am really surprised and honoured that we could complete our mission, winning the title for the second straight season," Việt said.

After 25 matches, Nam Định bagged 54 points and created an eight-point lead against their nearest rival, Hà Nội FC, with just one game left.

Coach Vũ Hồng Việt and team members applaud local supporters after Nam Định successfully defended their V.League 1 title. — Photo courtesy of Thép Xanh Nam Định FC

The win over Quảng Nam was the 100th match after Việt took charge of the team. Thus far, he has won 52, drawn 22 and lost 26.

Việt also led Nam Định to win the National Super Cup 2025 earlier this year, and was voted best coach of the month four times.

“I don’t think much about statistic and numbers. What I cherish most is the trust and wholehearted support from local leaders and fans. They are the ones who have given us the strength to achieve today’s success,” he said.

Team captain Trần Nguyên Mạnh also admitted that this season was more difficult than the last one, but thanks to the players' bravery and experience, they overcame all obstacles to successfully defend the V-League championship.

"We didn't start well. We had to play both local and international tournaments, and encountered some problems. But we tried very hard and defeated many strong opponents. That was the key for us to defend the championship," the goalkeeper said.

Nam Định will play their last game hosting Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh on June 22 at Thiên Trường Stadium, where they will receive the championship trophy and a VNĐ5 billion (US$191,600) bonus.

They will also be one of two Vietnamese football clubs taking part in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-2026. — VNS