The clash between The Cong Viettel and Nam Dinh was the highlight of Round 15 in the LP Bank V.League 1 2024-2025. This was a top-of-the-table encounter, expected to be an exciting match, and it lived up to the anticipation.
Both teams were eager to secure three points and adopted an attacking approach. In the 8th minute, Nam Dinh took the lead after a powerful shot from Nguyen Phong Hong Duy near the edge of the box. Following the early setback, The Cong Viettel intensified their attacks and dominated possession. However, in crucial finishing moments, Khuat Van Khang, Pedro Henrique, and Almarido failed to capitalize on their chances. As a result, coach Nguyen Duc Thang’s side had to accept a 0-1 deficit going into halftime.
In the second half, The Cong Viettel demonstrated a strong desire to find an equalizer. Coach Duc Thang made an attacking substitution, replacing center-back Minh Tung with Cong Phuong and shifting from a 3-5-2 formation to 4-3-3 to enhance offensive play. However, this tactical adjustment did not yield the desired effect, prompting further changes. Midway through the half, he introduced strikers Nham Manh Dung and Tran Danh Trung for Khuat Van Khang and Truong Tien Anh.
Not stopping there, Duc Thang also sent in attacking midfielder Huu Thang in place of Pedro, deploying all his best offensive options. Despite these efforts, The Cong Viettel’s attacking play remained predictable, primarily relying on long balls and aerial duels directed at foreign players, but they struggled to break through Nam Dinh’s defense.
During this phase, The Cong Viettel’s aggressive push forward left gaps in their defense. They were nearly punished twice—once when Tuan Anh’s long-range shot hit the crossbar, and another when Van Anh found the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
It was not until the 85th minute that The Cong Viettel had their first real dangerous opportunity. Nham Manh Dung played a clever through ball for Danh Trung, who broke through to face goalkeeper Nguyen Manh. However, the 2000-born striker failed to execute a clinical finish, wasting a golden chance. As the match approached its final minutes, the home team intensified their attacks but lacked the quality in passing and finishing to find an equalizer.
In the seventh minute of stoppage time (90+7), while pushing forward in desperation, The Cong Viettel conceded a second goal. Van Vi capitalized on his speed, surged forward, and executed a precise lob over goalkeeper Pham Van Phong, sealing a 2-0 victory for Nam Dinh.
With this result, Nam Dinh solidified their top position with 25 points after 15 matches, five points clear of both The Cong Viettel and Thanh Hoa.
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