Dong Nai coach hopes to ambush leaders

11:04, 12/04/2014

Dong Nai coach Tran Binh Su rates Thanh Hoa higher than his own team and admires what the north-central team have achieved so far this season. That does not prevent him from planning an ambush in their 12th round V-League match today at Bien Hoa.

Dong Nai coach Tran Binh Su rates Thanh Hoa higher than his own team and admires what the north-central team have achieved so far this season. That does not prevent him from planning an ambush in their 12th round V-League match today at Bien Hoa.

"Thanh Hoa are a good team in many ways. They splurged on some good players and are coached by an experienced coach, who always keeps his players' feet on the ground regardless of their great success so far," he told Viet Nam News after a training session yesterday.

Thanh Hoa will be under great pressure since they travel to Dong Nai, who have been going through a very successful phase of late, winning four of their last five games and drawing the other.

Thanh Hoa are unbeaten this season, winning seven and drawing two – some teams have played fewer matches because of continental tournaments – but to maintain that record against Dong Nai will be a tough task.

There is reason for Su to be confident: Thanh Hoa are not so formidable away.

In their four away matches so far they scored narrow wins over Nghe An and An Giang and drew at Hai Phong and Hoang Anh Gia Lai. All four were average teams.

Su said: "Thanh Hoa possess quality players in all areas. Dutch defender Danny van Bakel and playmaker Nastja Ceh are playing very well while local players have done their part perfectly.

"We cannot say anything before the ball rolls. Dong Nai are playing in front of home supporters, and we can spring a surprise."

Thanh Hoa are three points ahead of high-flying Becamex Binh Duong, who too have scored four wins in a row.

(Source:VNS)