Nam Dinh Club shows champion spirit

This season, there were times when Nam Dinh FC faced many difficulties when having to divide their strength on all three fronts: AFC Champions League, V-League and National Cup. That was around the beginning of 2025, when the team at Thien Truong Stadium was eliminated with a total score of 0-7 against Hiroshima (Japan) in the AFC Champions League knockout round. After that, Nam Dinh continued to lose to Binh Duong FC in the round of 16 of the National Cup.

Overcoming difficulties to succeed

Before entering the first leg against Hanoi FC at Thien Truong Stadium on February 5, 2025, Nam Dinh FC had gone 5 matches without a win (2 draws, 3 losses in all competitions). In the V-League alone, the team lost 0-1 to Viettel at home and drew with Thanh Hoa and Binh Dinh away.

Therefore, the first leg against Hanoi FC is considered a real test for the ambition and ability of the defending champion, especially coach Vu Hong Viet. If he loses, the possibility of him leaving Nam Dinh FC is very high.

CLB Nam Định thể hiện bản lĩnh nhà vô địch- Ảnh 1. — Nam Dinh Club (left) is very close to winning the 2024-2025 V-League championship. Photo: VPF

Fortunately, at that difficult time, Nam Dinh Club united to compete. With a bit of luck from Tuan Hai's red card (Hanoi Club), the team from Thanh Nam successfully turned the tables, defeating their opponents with a score of 2-1 thanks to goals from Cesar and Hendrio.

After that turning point, Nam Dinh FC continued to have a streak of 9 unbeaten matches in the V-League (6 wins, 3 draws). Up to now, the team has 42 points after 21 rounds, 5 points more than its direct rival, Hanoi FC, when there are only 5 rounds left.

During this unbeaten streak, Nam Dinh FC won against direct opponents (2-0 against Viettel and 3-0 against Hanoi) right on the away field. That result helped Nam Dinh surpass their opponents, creating a large gap on the rankings.

Solve the problem of Xuan Son's absence well

It is true that there were times when Nam Dinh FC really missed Xuan Son - the man who scored 29 goals for the team in the Southern region in the 2023-2024 season. This season, this naturalized striker only played 7 matches but still scored 7 goals.

Xuan Son's talent, role and influence on Nam Dinh FC are undeniable. He can play well as a top scorer, and can also act as a target man to support and assist his teammates to score. Without him, Nam Dinh lacks an all-round striker.

Without Xuan Son, Nam Dinh's attack became weak, and the fact that players like Joseph Mpande, Brenner and Moses Odo did not meet expectations made Nam Dinh fans very worried. Xuan Son's partner, Hendrio, for many reasons, also lost his form, becoming an out-of-place piece with the rest.

All of that really gave Coach Vu Hong Viet a headache. Fortunately, thanks to the team's abundant financial resources, along with years of experience in the profession, he and the coaching staff found a reasonable solution.

First is Caio Cesar, one of the best central midfielders in the V-League today. This 29-year-old Brazilian player has an ideal physique (1.93 m tall), excellent personal technique, simple but extremely modern and effective football thinking. He has controlled the entire midfield, creating conditions for Tuan Anh to have more free time in the attack. Cesar's goal in the match against Hanoi FC at Thien Truong Stadium was also a masterpiece with a beautiful kick that hit the roof of the net.

Quality additions such as Romulo, Brenner or Kevin Pham Ba, although not really excellent, have played their roles well, taking on the tasks assigned by coach Hong Viet. The coaching staff has also encouraged, stimulated and exploited the strength of domestic players, from Van Vi who is in his prime to Hoang Anh who is returning to form, Lam Ti Phong who has integrated well and Van Dat who is increasingly mature.

While the big teams are still struggling to find themselves, Nam Dinh FC has shown the spirit and class of a champion. With important victories over direct opponents, it is difficult for anyone to stop coach Vu Hong Viet and his team from racing towards the finish line.

"Coach Vu Hong Viet has succeeded in building a new team with new elements. These players may not be as good in terms of skills as Xuan Son or Hendrio, but they have high cohesion and efficiency.