Matches in the 3^rd round of the 2017 V-League took place yesterday evening at stadiums across the country.

Quang Nam and SHB DN players

SHB Da Nang claimed a 1-1 away draw against Quang Nam (QN) at the Tam Ky Stadium in Quang Nam Province. 

Midfielder Phan Thanh Hung opened the scoring for the home side in the 43^rd second and, after that early goal, QN played with great confidence and created many chances to score.  In particular, in the 23^rd minute QN’s midfielder Dinh Thanh Trung would have doubled their score if his penalty kick hadn’t struck the post.  One minute later, Trung had another shot at goal but, fortunately, it was saved by SHB DN’s goalkeeper Nguyen Thanh Binh.

In an effort to turn the tide of the game, SHB coach Le Huynh Duc asked his players to focus on better control of the ball, improving the effectiveness of their short passing, and strengthening their attacks from midfield instead of their long passes and touch-line attacks.

After these adjustments to SHB DN's tactics, they took more control of the game. 

In the 36^th minute, after latching on to an accurate pass from SHB’s Brazilian striker Eydison, midfielder Dang Anh Tuan shot at goal but, unfortunately, hit the post.  However, in the 59^th minute, SHB’s midfielder Huu Phuc levelled the game with a perfect free kick into the goal.  The game ended with the score still 1-1.

In the other matches, Thanh Hoa defeated Long An 2-1 at home, whilst Hai Phong had a 2-0 home win over Quang Ninh.  Song Lam Nghe An drew 2-2 against Sanna Khanh Hoa at Vinh City’s stadium.

Can Tho suffered a 1-5 home loss to Binh Duong, whilst Ha Noi beat Hoang Anh Gia Lai 3-0 at home.  Sai Gon were defeated 0-1 by Ho Chi Minh City at the Thong Nhat Stadium.

After the first 3 rounds of matches, Thanh Hoa currently top the league with 9 points, followed by Ha Noi, Hai Phong and Sai Gon all on 6.  SHB DN now stand in 8^th place with 4 points.  Can Tho and Hoang Anh Gia Lai are the bottom pair, with 1 and 0 points respectively.

SHB DN will play Hai Phong at home on Sunday 22 January at 5.00pm in the  Hoa Xuan Stadium, Cam Le District.