Managerial change rumours

*Hai Phong head coach Vuong Tien Dung was reported to have rejected an extension of his contract. Rumour said he will come back to Ha Noi to take charge of Ha Noi T&T in 2011.

*Ha Noi T&T head coach Phan Thanh Hung may come back to his old club Da Nang to replace under-pressure Le Huynh Duc next season.

*Binh Duong is interested in Le Huynh Duc and wants to bring him to Go Dau Stadium next season. Binh Duong bosses are very impressed by his high level of squad discipline.

*Kiatisuk Senamuang's future at HAGL is under question. The board may look for a more experienced coach while Kiatisuk hinted at a Thailand return.

SHB Da Nang won U17 championship

Song Lam Nghe An boys, who has won U17 National Championship 7 times in row, has finally said goodbye to the familiar cup when they lost 0-1 to the new champions SHB Da Nang in the final on July 24. (Pic: vff.org.vn)

SHB Da Nang U17 won the cup

SLNA's Manh Hung won Best Player Award

What are Bahraini thinking ?

Da Nang's AFC Cup quarter-final opponent Al Riffa wants both two legs to be played in Bahrain because they can't find travel route to Vietnam. LOL. Of course, the AFC has rejected this unreasonable request.

Al Riffa must play in Vietnam: AFC

I remember Syrian club Al Karamah traveled between Syria and Vietnam 2 times in a week last year without complaining. And Da Nang, are they supposed to return to Vietnam after playing the first leg? Al Riffa can ask them for a lift. LOL

Merlo drive Da Nang forward

After a long run of disappointing results, Da Nang has finally found a victory when they defeated league leader Ha Noi T&T 2-0 at Chi Lang stadium yesterday afternoon. The man who brought happiness to the home side is no other than Gaston Merlo when he scored one goal and made the other.

Da Nang fans may feel pleased that their club is now on the way back to the title race but it showed more and more that V-league 2009 champion depends on the Argentine striker too much especially after the departure of Almeida. Two new signings Matias Recio and Modou Jagne are still struggling at the moment.

Can Da Nang defend the title?

Following the heavy defeat against Khanh Hoa, Da Nang has suffered three consecutive games without winning (2 defeats and 1 draw). Those poor results have put them behind in the championship race, currently in the 4th place with only 4 points behind league leader Binh Duong while there are still 10 rounds left in the season.

However, looking closer at Da Nang 's stats so far in this season, we can hardly believe Da Nang will be able to retain the cup.
+ 6 defeats/16 games: No champion lost more than 7/26 games for last 3 seasons.
+ conceding 27 goals/16 games: No champion conceding more than 30 goals/26 games for last 3 seasons.
+ negative goal-difference (-2): No champion having negative GD during second phase of V-League for last 3 seasons.

So, can Da Nang lose just one more match and concede just 3 more goals in next 10 games or can they make new history?

Da Nang away form: Better than only bottom team Nam Dinh!

v Ha Noi T&T: 0-1
v Ninh Binh: 1-0
v Hoa Phat: 4-3
v SLNA: 0-5
v Binh Duong 0-2
v Dong Thap: 0-2
v Hai Phong: 1-3
v Khanh Hoa: 1-4

Da Nang will have 5 more away games.

V-league 2010 round 15: Da Nang break record in its worst game ever

'The worst performance of Da Nang I've seen' said Da Nang coach Le Huynh Duc following disappointing 1-1 draw between his club and Dong Thap. This draw is the 26th unbeaten game of Da Nang in V-League at its home stadium, the new record of V-league. However, it was a lucky game for Da Nang when their players underperformed and struggled against a determined Dong Thap side. As a consequence, Da Nang's bus was surrounded by angry fans when their players left the stadium. This result dropped them to the 3rd position in current league table.

Da Nang v Dong Thap: 1-1
Khanh Hoa v Ha Noi T&T: 1-3
Nam Dinh v Binh Duong: 0-2
Hoa Phat v HAGL: 1-1
Thanh Hoa v Hai Phong: 4-1
SLNA v DT Long An: 0-1
Ninh Binh v Navibank SG: 3-0

V-league clubs are going to have 3 weeks of holiday during World Cup 2010 time. V-league fixtures will be back on June 30.

AFC Cup Quarter final: Da Nang v Al-Riffa

Vietnamese club Da Nang will meet Al-Riffa from Bahrain in the quarter final of AFC Cup 2010. The first and second leg will be played on September 14 and 21 respectively. The semi-finals will be also played in 2 legs while there will be only one match in the final. Info about Al-Riffa is quite little and I will try to update more.

Quarter-finals
1	Al Riffa (Bahrain)	SHB Da Nang (VIE)
2	Al Karamah (SYR)	Muangthong United (THA)
3	Thai Port (THA)	Al Qadsia (KUW)
4	Al Ittihad (SYR)	Kazma (KUW)

Semi-finals
1	QF2 winner	QF4 winner
2	QF1 winner	QF3 winner

Final
SF2 winner	SF1 winner

AFC Cup: Da Nang won after extra time

Da Nang v Binh Duong: 4-3 (Merlo (2), Duy Lam, Hung Son - Anh Duc, Philani, Kesley)

A thrilling encounter ended as a victory for home team Da Nang. The scoreline was 2-2 after 90 mins and Merlo put Da Nang in front with his second goal in the first half of extra-time. However, Kesley quickly scored the third goal to equalize for Binh Duong. When fans and both sides thought the winner would be determined by penalty-shooting, Da Nang's super substitute Doan Hung Son scored the winning goal at the last minute of extra-time to send the home fans into rapture. Da Nang advanced to the quarter-finals of AFC Cup 2010!

Binh Duong defeated Da Nang to go top

Binh Duong v Da Nang: 2-0 (Anh Duc, Kesley)
Goals and highlights

Binh Duong deservedly earned an important 2-0 victory over V-League defending champions Da Nang this afternoon. South African player Philani shined as he contributed two perfect assists to his team. On-form striker Nguyen Anh Duc scored the opening goal with a header and the second goal came from Huynh Kesley at 94th minute.

Two biggest games of the season

V-league 2009 champions Da Nang have traveled to Binh Duong to prepare for a crucial V-league clash against the host on May 7. The winner of tomorrow game will surely have a big advantage in the title race. Da Nang are currently staying on the top of V-league table after a thrilling victory over Hoa Phat while Binh Duong are right behind.

Go Dau stadium is likely to be full tomorrow and nearly 20,000 fans would be a major boost for Binh Duong in this big game. History also stands on Binh Duong's side because Da Nang has never got a good result here. One more factor that makes Binh Duong fans believe in a victory is the excellent form of their attackers who scored 16 goals in last 4 games.

Yet, it's not everything both sides set their mind to. Just 4 days later, one more Da Nang - Binh Duong match will be played at Chi Lang stadium. The one-off AFC Cup game will determine who will represent Vietnam in the quarter-finals of this tournament. However, for many Vietnamese fans and both teams, this game is also considered the second leg of the final of 2010 season. In 2009, Da Nang won V-League title but their achievement was outshined by Binh Duong' success in AFC Cup. Da Nang was also known as a very poor and humiliated performer when playing continental competitions. So, this game will be the best chance for Da Nang to prove their domination in Vietnam as well as regaining some reputation.

Let's wait and see.

Recent results:

Da Nang v Binh Duong: 3-3
Binh Duong v Da Nang: 4-1
Da Nang v Binh Duong: 1-1
Binh Duong v Da Nang: 2-0
Da Nang v Binh Duong: 1-0

AFC Cup: Da Nang ease past Tai Po while Binh Duong defeated in Indonesia

Da Nang v Tai Po: 3-0 (Huynh Quoc Anh (2), Nguyen Rogerio)
Highlight Clip

Despite fielding a squad without some key players such as Gaston Merlo and Phan Thanh Hung, SHB Da Nang still managed to record an easy victory over Hong Kong side Wofoo Tai Po. Left-winger Huynh Quoc Anh had an outstanding performance as he scored 2 goals and caused all kinds of problems for Tai Po's backline. Personally I think he would be an ideal replacement for out-of-form Le Cong Vinh (who is planning to retire at the age of 25 lol) in the left-attacker position in Vietnam national team squad.

Sriwijaya v Binh Duong: 1-0

I didn't have a chance to watch the match. Just reading the match report on AFC site suggested me that Binh Duong's strikers still got stuck as they had done lately. The defeat in Indonesia meant Binh Duong will have to win the return leg against Sriwijaya if they want to finish group stage at top position. Otherwise, there would be high chance that two Vietnamese teams will clash each other right in the round of 16 as Da Nang is likely to win group F. Hope that it will not happen too soon.

AFC Cup: Poor defending nearly cost Da Nang two points

(Pic by Huu Quy)

SHB Da Nang v Geylang Utd: 3-2 (Merlo, Niko, Doan Hung Son)

Da Nang faced more difficulties than they expected in AFC Cup clash vs S-league side Geylang Utd yesterday. Although the host controlled the game throughout the match, their defending mistakes allowed the visitors to find 2 goals from set-piece. Fortunately, the host was relieved that Doan Hung Son's precious goal in injury time help Da Nang get maximum point in their second game of AFC Cup 2010.

Other result: Tai Po v Thai Port: 0-1

Clip: SHB Da Nang v Geylang Utd: 3-2

AFC Cup 2010: Binh Duong draw, Da Nang win

Selangor (Malaysia) v Binh Duong: 0-0
Match Report

Binh Duong were more than pleased with the outcome as lady luck and brilliant GK The Anh saved them from losing last night. The whole squad did not seem to be at their best fitness. Traveling from Khanh Hoa to Sai Gon by coach just 3 days ago, flying to Malaysia and keep traveling to Selangor by coach again, Binh Duong didn't not have best preparation. Some Vietnamese newspaper criticized their poor performance but I think a draw was fair as Selangor played pretty well in the second half.

I could not watch this match but managed to find a Malaysian live radio report. Of course I did not understand anything the commentator said except some players' names. Especially when the match was coming to the end, I could not remember how many times he shouted "Safee Sali!!!!" and the noise from the crowds made me think Selangor had scored at least some goals. A goalless draw is not a bad result for Binh Duong at all.

Other result from group H: Victory (Maldives) v Sriwijaya (Indonesia): 0-0
A bit surprise that Sriwijaya was held to a draw.

Thai Port v SHB Da Nang: 2-3

It seemed an interesting game. Da Nang's Argentine duo Gaston Merlo and Niko contributed 2 goals while Vietnam international Phan Thanh Hung scored the third one. It was a very good result for Da Nang. It will certainly help them ease the criticism from media.

Clip: Thai Port 2-3 Da Nang

Other result from group H: Geylang (Singapore) v Taipo (Hong Kong): 1-1

SHB Da Nang new signing: Nicolas Hernandez

Nickname: Niko
Born: May 4, 1979 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height: 178 cm
Postition: Striker

Niko signed for SHB Da Nang from Costa Rican club Deportiva Alajuelense in January 2010. He has just made his debut in the match against Hai Phong in the first round of V-League 2010.

Niko began his career with Argentine club Ferro Carril Oeste in 1999 and enjoyed his best time with Huracan in 2003 and MLS side Colorado Rapids in 2006.

Clip: Niko scored for Colorado Rapids.

Stats:

1999-2000 :
Ferro Carril Oeste ( First Division – Argentina ) : 3 goals/17 games
2000-2001
COLON SANTA FE ( First Division – Argentina ) : 0 goal/ 10 games
2002 : CREMONESE ( Serie B - Italia )
2002 2003 :
San Martin de Mendoza ( Second Division - Argentina ) : 4 goals/ 21 games
2003-2005 :
Atletico HURACAN ( Second Division - Argentina ) – 18 goals/ 60 games
2005: COBREOLA ( Chile ) : 3 goals/15 games
2006-2008 : COLORADO RAPIDS ( MLS ) : 11 goals/ 54 games
2008 COLUMBIA CREW ( MLS ) : 0 goal/ 5 games
2009 Deportiva Alajuelense (Primier Costa Rica – finished 11th in 2009 ): 1 goal/ 13 games.

(Vy Thanh - danangfc.vn)

Da Nang out of ACL 2010

SHB Da Nang seems too inexperienced for continental competitions. They also embarrassed themselves when two players saw red.

Finished last in BTV Cup.
Lost the Super Cup game to a low-profile club like Thanh Hoa.
Trounced 0-3 by Muangthong United at home in the playoff today.

Not the best start for the new season.

ACL 2010 Playoff: SHB Da Nang vs Muangthong Utd

In the pre-match press conference held this morning, representative of both teams showed the determination to win tomorrow game.

Rene Desaeyere, Muangthong head coach, stated that his side would not go home empty-handed. Although admitting some difficulties his team may meet when important players like Teerasil Dangda, Dasatkorn Thonglao and Berkant Goktan are absent, he believes Muangthong still can win the game. Desaeyere also said that he had watched the super cup game between Da Nang and Thanh Hoa some days ago and he had collected some useful info about his side's opponent.

Head coach Le Huynh Duc of SHB Da Nang told the press that he knew quite little about Muangthong Utd. One more matter is that Da Nang will be without top striker Almeida in tomorrow match. Therefore, there are only 2 foreigners in Da Nang squad while Muangthong has 4. However, Le Huynh Duc believed home advantage can help his team advance to next round.

Winner of tomorrow game will travel to Singapore to play the playoff final against SAFFC, that defeated Sriwijaya 3-0 this evening.

SHB Da Nang squad:

1 - Vo Van Hanh (GK)
2 - Cao Cuong (D)
3 - Nguyen Quoc Thanh (D)
4 - Tran Van Hoc (D)
5 - Vo Hoang Quang (D)
6 - Chau Le Phuoc Vinh (D)
7 - Phan Thanh Phuc (M)
9 - Vo Ngoc Quoc (M)
10 - Ha Minh Tuan (F)
11 - Nguyen Van Meo (M)
12 - Le Quang Cuong (D)
13 - Nguyen Thanh Binh (GK)
14 - Pham Nguyen Sa (M)
15 - Tran Hai Lam (D)
16 - Rogerio Machado Pereira (M, Brazil)
17 - Nguyen Dinh Anh Phuc (M)
18 - Truong Quang Tuan (M)
19 - Phan Thanh Hung (M)
21 - Phan Duy Lam (D)
22 - Doan Hung Son (M)
23 - Huynh Quoc Anh (M)
24 - Nguyen Thanh Trung (M)
25 - Tran Duc Cuong (GK)
26 - Le Thanh Xuan (F)
27 - Merlo Sebastian Gaston (F, Argentina)
28 - Nguyen Huu Hung (D)
29 - Le Van Hoang (D)
Jose Emidio De Jesus De Almeida (F, Brazil)

Muangthong United squad:

1 - Phanphiphat Thanongsak (GK)
3 - Saensook Pakasit (D)
4 - Wongsa Panupong (D)
5 - Jitsawad Jietsada (D)
6 - Phanrit Nataporn (D)
8 - Kaewprom Jakkaphan (M)
10 - Dangda Teerasil (F)
11 - Thamaphan Piyachart (D)
13 - Kouakou Yao Christian (F, Cote D'ivoire)
14 - Winothai Teeratep (F)
15 - Sylla Moussa Guineenne (M, Guinea)
16 - Nontadee Phaitoon (M)
17 - Pannasi Wisarut (M)
18 - Ar-Romsawa Naruphol (M)
19 - Choeichiu Phichitphong (M)
20 - Thummanam Amorn (D)
23 - Buntao Piyaphon (M)
24 - Soumahoro Aliyoune Yaya (M, Cote D'ivoire)
26 - Thamsatchanan Kawin (GK)
28 - Zaizen Nobuyuki (M, Japan)
40 - Ukrit Wongmeema (GK)

Da Nang concerned over Almeida injury

SHB Da Nang top striker Almeida may be sidelined for at least 5 months due to serious injury. His absence could be a big blow to ambitious side SHB Da Nang. As time is running out for V-League 2010 foreign players registration deadline, SHB Da Nang is now looking for a replacement for Almeida as well as some more quality foreign players.

Players are in trial with Da Nang:
Williams Christopher (United States - Defender)
Eduardo Manuel (Argentina - Midfielder)
Iddi Alkhag (Denmark - Striker)
Nikolas (Argentina - Striker)
Diego (Argentina - Midfielder)

SHB Da Nang needs 3 more foreign players as Argentine duo Gaston Merlo and Cesar Cocchi have been registered for V-League 2010.

SHB Da Nang clips

SHB Da Nang is going to play Muang Thong United in ACL 2010 Playoff early next year. If they can keep their V-League 2009 form, I'm sure they can be a tough test for any team especially in Chi Lang stadium.
Here are some impressive performances of Da Nang against other big Vietnamese sides:

SHB Da Nang vs HAGL: 4-1 (V-League 2009)

SHB Da Nang vs GDT Long An: 4-0 (V-League 2009)

SHB Da Nang vs Binh Duong: 3-3 (3-0 PK) (Vietnamese Cup)

SHB Da Nang In Play-Offs For 2010 Asian Champions League

Only two teams - one from East and one from West - from the play-offs will qualify for the group stages of the 2010 AFC Champions League.
The following teams are eligible to compete in the AFC Champions League 2010 Play-Offs.
Al Karama (Syria, AFC Cup winners/runners-up)
Kuwait SC (Kuwait, AFC Cup winners/runners-up)
Churchill Borthers SC (India, league champions)
Sriwijaya (Indonesia, knock-out champions)
Singapore Armed Forces (Singapore, league champions)
Muang Thong United (Thailand, league champions)
SHB Da Nang (Vietnam, league champions)
Al Wahda (United Arab Emirates, fourth place)