Viet Nam News
HA NOI — A 0-3 loss to SHB Da Nang in the first leg match of the National Cup’s quarter-finals has placed Quang Ninh Coal in a difficult situation in the second leg match today.
It will be tougher for them to defend their title, as they will have to play at the Hoa Xuan Stadium, which is Da Nang’s lucky ground where the hosts have got positive results since they moved to this new home ground several months ago.
Coach Phan Thanh Hung also does not have his best players, as veteran midfielders Nguyen Sa and Xuan Hung will be sidelined with injuries.
Doubts have also been raised over the ability of foreign striker Patiyo. He has scored but has not scored as many goals as in the same period last year.
On the other side, Da Nang displayed outstanding performance with eight goals in two matches in the National Cup.
They have become more "dangerous" with the comeback of Vietnamese-Argentinean striker Do Merlo, who has been a goal hunter for not only the team but also the league in recent years.
Merlo not only has scored, but also assisted his teammates for goals, as in the first leg he netted one and played a role in two other goals.
The former Cup champions also have history on their side. In their previous meetings, Quang Ninh was able to tie with Da Nang only once in their many encounters on Da Nang’s home turf.
To have a chance for the next round, Da Nang only need a draw, while Quang Ninh must win at least with four goals and stop Da Nang’s sharp strikers from netting.
In another match in Quang Nam, hosts Quang Nam will take on Can Tho. They also need a draw to enter the semi-finals after a 3-1 win last week.
Having the same win of 3-1 last week, Song Lam Nghe An have to protect their advantage at the Thong Nhat Stadium against HCM City FC’s ground today.
While the hosts have their strongest line-up, Song Lam Nghe An’s national defender Que Ngoc Hai may not take part in the game after suffering from a stretched ligament.
In the last match of the day, Becamex Binh Duong may feel relaxed ahead of their clash against Sai Gon FC. They won 3-2 in the first leg and will be on home ground today versus Sai Gon, who are without their defender Nguyen Quoc Long.
Long is reported to have torn the tendon of his little toe, which could keep him out for at least two weeks.
The Da Nang vs Quang Ninh match will be aired live on VTV6 channel, while the other games will be live on Viet Nam Professional Football Company’s youtube channel. — VNS.