Among 13 football clubs competing in Viet Nam's top-tier V-League 2022, five clubs are from Central Viet Nam, namely Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA), Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL), Binh Dinh, SHB Da Nang, and Hong Linh Ha Tinh (HL Ha Tinh).

SHB Da Nang (in orange) and Hong Linh Ha Tinh (in blue) have not yet achieved the desired results as both have not tasted victory after their first three matches. Photo: ANH VU

Despite having a lot of expectations from local football supporters, these clubs have not yet won trust of their fans after the first three rounds.

In preparation for the new league season, all five football teams in Central Viet Nam have set their own goals. However, they have not achieved the expected results after the first 3 rounds.

HAGL is expected to be one of bright candidates for this year’s championship as the team had very impressive results last season, boasts a quality squad with many national players and are led by coach Kiatisak.

However, after the first three rounds, HAGL only win 2 points, and temporarily rank 9^th position with a lackluster performance.

The main reason is thought to be that most of HAGL's players are "bored" of football, and they do not have much time to practice in the preparation for the new season.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Binh Dinh are considered to be the new “rich club” at this year’s league as they have received the sponsorship package of 300 billion VND (US$13.01 million) from sponsors Topenland and Hung Thinh Land. Also, they have recruited striker Rimario (from Ha Noi FC), defender Ahn Byung-keon (from Saigon FC), national team player Ho Tan Tai (from Becamex Binh Duong) and Duong Thanh Hao (from Than Quang Ninh).

Despite their 0-2 home defeat by Viettel in the opening match due to many players infected with COVID-19, Binh Dinh created out more scoring opportunities, and knew how to put pressure on their rivals.

Contrary to Binh Dinh, HL Ha Tinh is the team with the lowest investment among the representatives of football sector in Central Viet Nam. Even during the preparation period, not only were too many players infected with COVID-19 but the whole team did not have a thoughtful training ground.

As the last name mentioned among Central Viet Nam football teams at V-League 2022, SHB Da Nang surprised everyone because they had not tasted any victory in the first three rounds.

SHB’s coach Phan Thanh Hung explained "Our players have not yet caught up with the matches. In addition, they still did not have high concentration”.

After the first three rounds, it is not possible to say much about the performance of football clubs in Central Viet Nam. However, football experts can partly see the play style and strength of the teams, so HAGL, Binh Dinh, SHB Da Nang and SLNA are all very formidable opponents.

Reporting by DUONG MINH - Translating by M.DUNG