A three-horse race to 2006 season title

It will not easy for Dong Tam Long An and their wizard Calisto to retain their title at the 2006 national championship/V-League. Binh Duong and Hoang Anh Gia Lai are among possible top favourites…

Last season, Dong Tam Long An made an excellent breakthrough to win the V-League two rounds ahead. Several weeks earlier, they were six points behind Binh Duong. However, Dong Tam Long An won the V-League when Binh Duong lost themselves and Da Nang seemed to have not been interested in winning the league.

The 2006 national championship is just two weeks away. Strong teams Da Nang and PJICO Song Lam Nghe An are struggling against their difficulties. Therefore, it is possible to say that the V-League will see a three-horse race among Dong Tam Long An, Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Binh Duong.

Dong Tam Long An will begin their defending campaign without changes in their squad. Those who helped Dong Tam Long An win double awards last season, including brothers Antonio and Carlos Rodrigues, Tai Em, Minh Phuong and goalkeeper Santos still play for the club. Therefore, the playing style of Dong Tam Long An will be no longer a surprise to their opponents. The return of striker Lino may give coach Calisto more options for the club”s attacking line, which was the strongest part of Dong Tam Long An last season. Without any change in their style, it will be a tough job for Dong Tam Long An to retain their last season”s achievements.

After disappointing season, Hoang Anh Gia Lai are back as one of the top favourites. Last year, Hoang Anh Gia Lai failed in three fronts. However, they introduced promising players Dinh Viet, Ngoc Canh and Viet Anh. This year, two centrebacks Hung Dung and Duy Hoang were brought to Pleiku to strengthen the club”s defence. Also, their forward line is expected to be very sharp with last year”s V-League striker Kesley Alves, who will share the scoring task with former Thai star Kiatisuk.

Binh Duong are not outsiders as they have high quality players. In terms of individual players, Binh Duong have a better squad than Dong Tam Long An and Hoang Anh Gia Lai. The presence of goalkeeper The Anh, defenders Quang Thanh and Cong Minh will make the fight” for a place in the first team”s defence tougher. Abbey, Truong Giang and new contract Vu Phong, who played for the under-23s at the 23rd SEA Games, will be the strength of Binh Duong”s midfield. At the same time, Binh Duong have strongest forward line with Amaobi, Trindade, Philani, Toledo and Rincon, let alone striker Anh Duc for the under-23 team. The club”s problem is how to link up each of their talented individual.

Dong Tam Long An, Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Binh Duong have emerged as top favourites for the V-League in 2006. However, it is not too soon to affirm that the V-League will be a race of the three clubs.

(NhanDan)