>>> V.League 1-2021: Promising a vibrant and exciting season
Thanks to careful preparation and the impressive performance of foreign players, Nam Dinh were the better side at Thien Truong Stadium and worthy of their 3-0 victory.
With the fervent cheers of thousands of fans, Nam Dinh played with confidence and a sense of authority against the highly-rated visitors, who suffered from a great deal of pressure, playing tough opponents in a thoroughly vibrant stadium.
The hosts had an great start using their tactic of counter-attacking. Meanwhile, the away team and its broad range of star players proved to be impotent, unable to threaten the home team's goal.
The turning point came in the 22nd minute. From Xuan Tan's cross on the right wing, Rodrigo broke into the Hanoi defensive line, helping Gramoz slot the ball into the empty goal, opening the scoring for the home team.
Just four minutes later, Hanoi received a second shock. From a corner, Rodrigo’s header widened the gap to 2-0.
Towards the end of the first half, Hanoi tried to control the game, but Van Quyet and Van Dung were not sharp enough to penetrate the energetic Nam Dinh defence.
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Hanoi FC (in purple) were unable to reply to high-flying Nam Dinh. (Photo: Q.V)
Hanoi had to increase the attacking the second half. However, two goals to the good, Nam Dinh played comfortably using a defensive strategy.
That was enough to stop last year’s runners-up on a day they failed to produce. Hanoi’s domestic players may not have been familiar with their new foreign teammates, making the usual attack combinations seem completely ineffective.
In injury time, Nam Dinh were awarded a free kick. Rodrigo decided to take a direct shot on the Hanoi goal. The ball hit the ground and bounced high, leaving goalkeeper Van Cong in trouble. Gramoz took the advantage from the rebound to make it 3-0 for the hosts.
The win gives Nam Dinh a flying-high start that could not be more impressive, while the shock defeat also showed the current problems in the Hanoi squad.
Tonight (Jan 16), matchday 1 of the V.League 1-2021 continues with three matches, seeing reigning champions Viettel FC play host at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium to Hai Phong FC, while at Vinh Stadium in Vinh City, hosts Song Lam Nghe An will welcome Topenland Binh Dinh, with Thanh Hoa visiting Go Dau Stadium in Thu Dau Mot City to play hosts Becamex Binh Duong.
