Fierce confrontations

Phase 2 of V.League 1-2023 begins this weekend with the championship race for the top 8 teams and the relegation battle with the group of 6 teams after the end of phase 1. Right from the first round, there are expected fierce confrontations.

Dong A Thanh Hoa (red shirt) will host Nam Dinh Blue Steel (yellow shirt) at home in round 1 of phase 2.

Two consecutive victories at the 2023 National Cup are considered an important step for Dong A Thanh Hoa to prepare for phase 2 of V.League 1-2023. Coach Velizar Popov and his team have regained the winning feeling after a series of 3 draws and losses at the end of phase 1.

The Bulgarian coach said: "We will still have to try and make an effort in each match and not think about competing for the championship. The immediate goal is to win 3 points against Thep Xanh Nam Dinh in the first round of phase 2. The home field will be an advantage to help us achieve that goal."

Coach Popov and his students are determined to win in round 1 of phase 2.

In the mid-season transfer period, Dong A Thanh Hoa only had one addition, striker Vo Nguyen Hoang from PVF-CAND. This will be a necessary addition to the Thanh team's attack. This new player was also registered to play in the National Cup quarter-finals against Phu Dong last week.

Besides, Dong A Thanh Hoa has an important return of striker Paulo Conrado after a period of injury. This Brazilian striker was absent in some final matches of phase 1.

Dong A Thanh Hoa has continuously enjoyed the joy of victory at the National Cup.

Thanh Hoa team will have all 3 foreign players for the match with Nam Dinh Blue Steel, especially the striker pair Bruno Cunha - Paulo Conrado.

The two teams met in the first stage at Thien Truong Stadium with a 0-0 draw. The team from Thanh Nam traveled to Thanh Hoa with the goal of getting points and they will also play with the highest determination. Each team has its own goals and the above factors show that the confrontation between Dong A Thanh Hoa and Thep Xanh Nam Dinh is a hot match both on the field and in the stands.

The first round of the second phase of V.League 1-2023 will witness many other exciting matches in both groups. In particular, in the championship race, the highlight match will be between the home team Hanoi FC and Topenland Binh Dinh. This will be a challenge for the defending champion Hanoi even though they will play at Hang Day Stadium. Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team shows quite a bit of confidence before this away trip to the capital.

Quang Hai is still on the journey to find his first win with his new team Hanoi Police (Photo: VPF)

Meanwhile, Nguyen Quang Hai and Filip Nguyen will be looking for their first win in the Hanoi Police jersey when the team hosts Hong Linh Ha Tinh. Moreover, 3 points will help Hanoi Police maintain their top position in the rankings. If they stumble, coach Flavio Cruz's team could be surpassed by Dong A Thanh Hoa and Hanoi FC.

In the relegation race, the “reverse final” match between SHB Da Nang and Becamex Binh Duong also attracted the attention of many people. These are two names that were once famous.

The points earned by the teams in phase 2 will continue to be added to the points earned in phase 1. The final ranking of the season will be determined based on the points of both phases.

Manh Cuong

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/the-thao/vong-1-giai-doan-2-v-league-1-2023-nhung-cuoc-doi-dau-nay-lua/190707.htm