Relegations loom in V-League final round

HCM CITY — The battles for remaining medal places and to avoid relegation take centre stage in the V-League's last round tomorrow.

Unrest within some strong teams like Binh Duong and SHB Da Nang in the second half of the season led to their stuttering form and took away most of the drama surrounding the title race this year.

The bathos was complete in the match between Ha Noi T&T and Navibank Sai Gon: Ha Noi, needing only one point to win the V-League title for the first time in their short history, played out a drab, goalless draw with a relegated team.

Unlike last year the Viet Nam Football Federation decided to give them the trophy only after the final round.

The champions will play their last match away at Hoang Anh Gia Lai, who breathed a sigh of relief last week after a hard-fought win over Song Lam Nghe An to avoid relegation.

Second, third and fourth places are all up for grabs, with Hai Phong Cement, Khatoco Khanh Hoa, Dong Thap and Dong Tam Long An all within a point or two of each other.

Hai Phong's effort to clinch second place for the first time is likely to be easier than thought since they take on a Becamex Binh Duong who have been below par for a long time.

Khanh Hoa, who are dreaming of a top-three finish for the first time, face Hoa Phat Ha Noi, who will probably be relaxed after managing to avoid relegation.

Dong Tam Long An are likely to get full points away from the relegated Navibank Sai Gon.

Dong Thap host Lam Son Thanh Hoa who have to win to maintain their hopes of playing off against Ninh Binh to avoid relegation.

If Ninh Binh, who are two points above Thanh Hoa, beat Song Lam Nghe An at home, they will remain in the top-flight.

SHB Da Nang will end their forgettable season with an away trip to relegated Nam Dinh. — VNS