Thép Xanh Nam Định pin hopes on Xuân Sơn: Chance to open account at V-League 2026/26

Thép Xanh Nam Định pin hopes on Xuân Sơn: Chance to open account at V-League 2026/26 I have been following Xuân Sơn play since he was a promising young player in Hanoi. Last season, during a match at Thiên Trường stadium, I witnessed him miss a penalty in the 85th minute that cost his team points against a weaker opponent. Back then, Nam Định fans jeered loudly, but Xuân Sơn still got up, wiped his sweat, and continued training. Tonight, when Thép Xanh Nam Định host HAGL in the opening match of LPBank V-League 2026/26, I believe this is the moment he proves that mistakes are only part of the journey, not the end. The context for this season is particularly special for the team from Nam Định. After heavy investment that only yielded a sixth-place finish last season, the club decided to streamline their squad. Last year, Thép Xanh Nam Định had five foreign players including high-profile names like Brenner, Akolo, Lucas Alves, Mahmoud Eid, and Dutch defender Mitchell Dijks. However, none of them delivered results worthy of their investment. This past summer, all five foreign players left, and the club only registered four replacements: Caio Cesar, Romulo, Lu Sambal, and Ezequiel Santos Da Silva. This change reveals Thép Xanh Nam Định's strategic shift. Instead of chasing expensive stars, the club now focuses on building a more cohesive collective. Four domestic signings also joined the squad, including goalkeeper Trịnh Xuân Hoàng, midfielder Trần Mạnh Quỳnh, defender Đàm Tiến Dũng, and striker Phạm Tuấn Hải. Among these, Phạm Tuấn Hải is expected to become Xuân Sơn's important tactical partner in attack. Xuân Sơn just finished a grueling ASEAN Cup 2026 with the national team. He played alongside teammates like Minh Trọng, Đình Triệu, and Hùng Dũng in a tournament where Vietnam aimed high but faced fierce competition from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Returning to V-League after an international tournament is both an opportunity to find his rhythm again, but also raises questions about fitness and focus. At the pre-match press conference, coach Vũ Hồng Việt expressed confidence in defeating HAGL. He emphasized that the team has prepared thoroughly and is ready for the new season. However, one cannot help but wonder if this confidence might turn into arrogance, given that HAGL, though not highly rated, is going through a difficult transition period. HAGL this season has only one sole objective: to avoid relegation. The highland club has lost key players like Quang Kiet and Chau Ngoc Quang, who had been with the team for many seasons. Losing these two pillars significantly weakened HAGL, and they will have to rely on young talent to compete in this harsh season. The match against Thép Xanh Nam Định is not only the season opener but also the first test for their relegation survival ambitions. From a tactical perspective, this is a clash between two different philosophies. With superior squad quality, Thép Xanh Nam Định will likely control the game and seek early goals to relieve pressure. Meanwhile, HAGL will probably play tight defense, deploying a deep block and waiting for counter-attack opportunities. This style has troubled many bigger teams, and if Thép Xanh Nam Định lack patience in building attacks, they could face disadvantages. What interests me most in this match is how coach Vũ Hồng Việt sets up his starting lineup. With four new domestic players and four new foreign signings, finding the balance between experience and freshness will be a difficult equation. Xuân Sơn needs to be placed in the most advantageous position to utilize his smart movement and accurate finishing. Phạm Tuấn Hải, if paired with him in attack, needs to create space and opportunities for his partner. I recall the match between Thép Xanh Nam Định and HAGL last March in Pleiku. Back then, Xuân Sơn had a solo run dribbling past three defenders before hitting the post. He didn't score, but I clearly saw the determination in his eyes. Tonight, I hope he turns chances into goals, not just for himself but for the entire collective that needs a favorable start. Besides the main match, Vietnamese football is witnessing the rise of many other teams. Thanh Hóa, after resolving financial issues, is determined to claim three points against SHB Đà Nẵng. A new team from Bắc Ninh is also receiving special attention from experts and fans. The appearance of these new names shows that the V-League is more fiercely competitive than ever. Returning to Xuân Sơn and Thép Xanh Nam Định. Last season, the team from Nam Định failed to meet fan expectations despite having a strong squad and significant investment. This season, with streamlining and renewed determination, they need a convincing start. A victory over HAGL not only brings three points but also establishes the fighting spirit for the long season ahead. Xuân Sơn played for the national team at ASEAN Cup 2026 alongside teammates like Hùng Dũng, Đình Triệu, and Minh Trọng. He brings back international confidence and experience, but also carries the weight of fan expectations. Tonight's match is an opportunity for him to start the V-League season with a goal, opening his personal account while helping his team get the expected start. I believe football is inherently a play of mistakes and recovery. Xuân Sơn has missed penalties before, has been jeered by fans, but that hasn't stopped him from trying. Tonight, when the opening whistle sounds at Thiên Trường stadium, I will watch him from the stands, hoping to witness a moment when all his efforts are rewarded. Thép Xanh Nam Định has enough ability to defeat HAGL. They have a better squad, home advantage, and confidence from thorough preparation. However, football always holds surprises, and HAGL with their determined relegation survival spirit could make things difficult for the hosts. What matters is that Thép Xanh Nam Định must be patient, not complacent, and capitalize on every opportunity to score. V-League 2026/26 has officially kicked off, and the match between Thép Xanh Nam Định and HAGL is a promising opener. Fans are awaiting goals, brilliant plays, and touching stories. Xuân Sơn's desire to open his account is one of those stories. Can he turn dreams into reality? Let us wait and witness.