Viet Nam's top-tier V-League 2021 will resume on 13 March, with five matches that were postponed at the end of January following a recent resurgence of COVID-19 in some Vietnamese localities, the Viet Nam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) has announced.

SHB DN players celebrating a goal in January’s match against Ho Chi Minh City

Specifically, SHB Da Nang and Hai Phong FC will host Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Ha Noi FC respectively on 13 March. Meanwhile, the following day will see matches between Binh Dinh vs Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Ho Chi Minh City vs Quang Ninh, and Becamex Binh Duong vs Viettel FC.

Although there are nine days left until the football tournament resumes after a three-week rest due to COVID-19, Da Nang’s football fans are eagerly counting down to the match between SHB Da Nang and Hong Linh Ha Tinh which is scheduled to take place at Da Nang-based Hoa Xuan Stadium on 13 March.

The main reason is thought to be that, after receiving bitter failures in recent league seasons, SHB DN made a perfect start to this year’s season with two convincing wins over Ho Chi Minh City Club and Quang Ninh in January. Therefore, Da Nang football fans have cherished a hope that their local team are shining brightest in this year’s championship race.

Da Nang football supporters showed their enthusiasm and eagerness towards their home team’s next match against Hong Linh Ha Tinh through their close monitoring of training courses of SHB players over recent weeks. Specifically, the friendly match between SHB DN and Hue at the Hoa Xuan Stadium on yesterday afternoon attracted large crowds.

SHB’s coach Le Huynh Duc and his squad should not have to worry too much about the power of their rivals because they expect to field their strongest attacking line for the match. Included will be freshly-recruited foreigner footballers of Gustavo, Rafaelson and Almeida Santos, along with newly-signed domestic player Huy Hung.

Coach Duc said hopefully that the strike duo of Gustavo and Rafaelson would strut their stuff in the next game. Mr Duc remarked that Rafaelson’s guile, wit and touch along with Gustavo’s fearsome pace and finishing ability will promise a mountain of goals for the home team. In addition, the attacking pair will receive active support of midfield duo of Huy Hung and Anh Tuan.

By contrast, Hong Linh Ha Tinh are likely to face more difficulties due to the absence of their star central defender Kelly on suspension.

By TINH BAO – Translated by M.D