National Cup Final: Asserting Dominance

The National Cup final offers Ninh Binh, the ancient capital team, a chance to solidify their reputation, while the southern representative strives to reclaim its voice at the pinnacle of domestic football.

The most crucial piece completing Ninh Binh's current form is coach Chu Dinh Nghiem. Since taking charge late in the season, this experienced strategist has instilled discipline, coordination, and maximum practicality into the team's play. Under his guidance, the ancient capital side has shown a convincing form with an impressive run, successively defeating Thanh Hoa 2-0 and Ha Tinh 3-0 to finish in the V-League top three. With the same squad, Ninh Binh under Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem now feels more intense, faster, and far more inspired.

Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem also boasts impressive cup competition experience with a rich track record. He led Hanoi FC to victory in 2 out of 3 National Cup finals (champions in 2019 and 2020) and won 3 National Super Cups (2018, 2019, and 2020).

In this season's National Cup, Ninh Binh has asserted its strength with a decisive win over The Cong Viettel in the semifinals. Notably, the V-League runner-up The Cong Viettel was no easy opponent to defeat, nor a team prone to collapse. The military team is a disciplined unit, possessing many quality players and led by coach Velizar Popov. Winning 4-1 shows that Ninh Binh is no longer just a team noticed for its strong squad. They are truly a team with character.

Reaching the National Cup final is also a milestone for Ninh Binh. It is an opportunity for the ancient capital team to formally transition from a noteworthy side to one that knows how to win trophies.

If they win, this will be a beautiful milestone for Ninh Binh. A V-League newcomer finishing in the top group and then winning the National Cup at home is no longer a fleeting highlight. It would be a declaration of the emergence of a new force in Vietnamese football.

In this match, Ninh Binh is rated significantly higher than Ho Chi Minh City Police. Playing at home and with a slightly stronger squad, the goal for Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's team is to secure the first championship trophy of the season.

However, playing at home could also become a form of pressure. Ninh Binh enters this match as the V-League third-place team, boasting many national team players and stars. With the final taking place on their home ground, expectations go beyond just playing well; Ninh Binh fans await a trophy. That is the biggest psychological challenge for Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's squad.

Ninh Binh's opponent in the final, Ho Chi Minh City Police, is no pushover either. Defeating Nam Dinh 4-2 right at the "fiery furnace" of Thien Truong Stadium is a highly commendable result for the team led by Coach Phung Thanh Phuong.

Ho Chi Minh City Police are in excellent form, maintaining an unbeaten streak from round 22 of the V-League until the season's end, achieving their goal of finishing in the top five. During this impressive run, they held Ninh Binh, The Cong Viettel, and Hanoi FC to draws.

In the National Cup, Ho Chi Minh City Police's journey to the final has also been remarkable, especially the semifinal victory over the southern team Nam Dinh—a top contender for this season's championship.

In a season where southern football has faced much disappointment, Ho Chi Minh City Police reaching the final match of the National Cup is a much-needed bright spot. It reminds everyone that the South still has a representative capable of making a difference, winning big matches, and competing for titles.

The final between Ninh Binh and Ho Chi Minh City Police will take place in Ninh Binh at 6:00 PM on June 14th.

Expected starting lineups for both teams.
Ninh Binh: Van Lam, Thanh Thinh, Quang Nho, Tien Anh, Hai Duc, Duc Chien, Hoang Duc, Gia Hung, Van Thuan, Friday, Quoc Viet.
Ho Chi Minh City Police: Le Giang, Matheus, Gia Bao, Duc Phu, Minh Trong, Endrick, Quoc Cuong, Ngoc Ha, Raphael, Khoa Ngo, Williams.