Xuân Son and Tiến Linh make the National Cup semifinal dramatic.

The match between Nam Định and CLB Công an TP.HCM at 6 PM on June 11 at Thiên Trường Stadium is not just about reaching the final; it's also a thrilling duel between Vietnam's leading forwards, Xuân Son and Tiến Linh.

Xuân Son is expected to rescue Nam Định's disappointing season, whileTiến Linhhas also just made a strong comeback to re-enter the race for a spot in the Vietnam national team's attack.

Nam Định entered this season with great ambitions after receiving strong investment. However,the team has continuously disappointed in major competitions.

The successive failures to achieve important goals have placed increasing pressure on coach Vũ Hồng Việt and his players.

In that context,the National Cuphas become the last lifeline for Nam Định to avoid a trophy-less season.

That is why Xuân Son carries huge expectations. In recent matches, the coaching staff have actively rested him and adjusted his training load to ensure he reaches peak physical condition and form for the semifinal.

Coach Vũ Hồng Việt knows that when Xuân Son hits his peak form, Nam Định remains an extremely dangerous team at their home ground, Thiên Trường. Xuân Son's tenacity, ability to bulldoze through defenses, and goal-scoring instinct are weapons that any defense must be wary of.

But on the other side, the clubCông an TP.HCMis presenting a completely different image compared to the turbulent early season. The arrival of coach Phùng Thanh Phương to replace coach Lê Huỳnh Đức has had a very positive effect. This team has revived strongly with an impressive unbeaten run, climbing into the top 5 of the V-League, even above Nam Định themselves.

Most importantly, it is the resurgence of Tiến Linh. After a long period of poor form, the striker who was once the biggest hope of Vietnamese football has returned at the right time.

The 29-year-old scored in rounds 22, 25, and 26 of the V-League, repeatedly finding the net against strong opponents like Thể Công Viettel and Hà Nội FC. In just a few matches at the end of the season, Tiến Linh scored as many goals as he had in a long period before.

Tiến Linh is regaining his confidence, sharpness, and goal-scoring touch. This season, both Tiến Linh and Xuân Son have 6 goals in the V-League and are the big hopes for their club.

Tiến Linh's return has also significantly heated up the competition for spots in the Vietnam national team's attack.

In a context where Xuân Son and many other naturalized strikers are emerging strongly, Tiến Linh understands that he must continuously make his mark if he wants to keep his position under coach Kim Sang Sik in the coming period.