Nam Dinh secured their first victory of the 2024-2025 V-League season with a 1-0 win over Quang Nam, taking full advantage of their home field dominance. Head coach Vu Hong Viet opted to rest key foreign center-backs Lucas and Mota, who had featured in the AFC Champions League Two, instead deploying a more offensive lineup. Rafaelson, now officially a naturalized player under the name Nguyen Xuan Son, made his debut after missing the previous game due to procedural issues, which saw Nam Dinh lose unexpectedly to Ha Tinh.
From the opening whistle, Nam Dinh asserted their control, dominating possession and pushing Quang Nam deep into their own half. Throughout the first half, the ball rarely left Quang Nam’s territory, with Nam Dinh’s central defenders Hoang Van Khanh and Duong Thanh Hao even moving up to the halfway line. Goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh had little to do, with Quang Nam unable to pose any significant threats.
Despite their dominance, Nam Dinh struggled to find the back of the net in the first half. The likes of Van Toan, Van Cong, Xuan Son, Caio, and Hendrio all had chances, but their shots either missed the target or were met with collective groans from the home fans.
In the second half, Nam Dinh ramped up the pressure, forcing Quang Nam to retreat further and defend with all their might. The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute when Xuan Son cleverly backheeled the ball to Hendrio, who curled a shot past the goalkeeper, sending the fans at Thien Truong Stadium into rapturous celebrations.
After taking the lead, coach Vu Hong Viet made substitutions to shore up his midfield and right flank. Nguyen Tuan Anh replaced Tran Van Cong in midfield, while Ly Cong Hoang Anh took over from Nguyen Van Toan on the right.
Nam Dinh maintained control of the game, continuing to launch attacks. However, they still lacked the precision needed to extend their lead. Xuan Son headed narrowly wide, and Tuan Anh’s long-range effort was saved by the Quang Nam goalkeeper.
Despite their inability to add another goal, the 1-0 scoreline was enough to secure Nam Dinh’s first win of the season, much to the delight of the home crowd at Thien Truong Stadium.
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