HAGL climbed to the top half of the V League
* Scores: Brandao 28 ', Van Thanh Pen 39'
An injury to Nguyen Cong Phuong, who has scored three goals this season, appears to be hampering HAGL's progress in just their first win over Da Nang. However, the mountain city team showed outstanding strength during the journey to Tongyi Stadium. HAGL's overwhelming performance also proves that Ho Chi Minh City is significantly weaker than in previous years, and it would not be surprising if coach Tran Minh Chien's team had to scramble for relegation this season.
Before the ball rolled, it rained heavily at Tongyi Stadium, raising concerns about the impact of HAGL, a team that often bounces and speeds. But on the contrary, after only about 10 minutes of temptation, the army led by Kittisuk exerted pressure and kept the home team goal shaking. Ho Chi Minh City just didn't concede an early goal, thanks to several excellent reactions from Bae Tianyong and wasted time by the visiting team.
Tuan Anh passes in the box but shoots wide of the post from close range. Since then, Tian Yong has saved dangerous shots from Washington Brandao, Van Tuan and Hondu in the restricted area three times in a row. However, in an instant, Tianyong changed from a hero to a sinner. From HAGL's corner on the right, the goalkeeper comes out and misjudges the placement. Thanks to that, Brandau heads home.
After scoring, Ho Chi Minh City took the lead in shooting, and Lin Tifeng tested goalkeeper Yang Wenlai with a tight volley. But this was just a moment when the home team reacted weakly. In the next few minutes, Ho Chi Minh City had to rely on Tien Dung's reaction to avoid a goal, after the closing phase of Brandao or Van Toan. However, the home side did not last long.
Van Thanh dribbled in the box and Van Khoa's somewhat inexperienced dispute led to Ho Chi Minh being awarded a penalty. It was the national player who took on the responsibility for the performance, having fooled his former team-mate at U23 Vietnam to double the gap at HAGL. Had Tuan Anh finished better after a few minutes, Ho Chi Minh would have conceded three goals late in the first half.
Coach Minh Chien probably took a few minutes off to reinvigorate the students. That was reflected in Ho Chi Minh City's determination at the start of the second half. However, the home side lack the quality factor to create mutations in attack. Hoang Vu Samson has Van Loi down to block his low shot, but viewers will remember the shot he missed from a vantage point in front of goal.
Ho Chi Minh City also has some opportunities. But they don't know how to save those rare moments. Tung Quoc shoots over the bar after fooling Hong Duy, while Van Khoa takes a free-kick from the edge of the box. The morale of the home team's foreign aid may be questioned because they are too lazy to move and argue endlessly.
Leading by two goals, Hagel chose to defend at home and wait for the opportunity to fight back. In theory, this style of play is suitable for fast players like Van Toan or Van Thanh. But it turns out the visitors rarely pose a danger. In many cases they overwhelm the numbers in possession but fail to pass. Van Toan was chopped down by Van der at the end of the game and the referee denied a controversial penalty. However, HAGL did not react too strongly.
With the win, HAGL rose to sixth with 10 points from seven games. They are level with Philippel but lose goal difference. Ho Chi Minh City, meanwhile, finished 10th with six points after six games. In the next round of competition on July 20, teachers and students of coach Minh Chien will continue to welcome Ha Tinh at Thong Nhat Stadium, and HAGL will welcome Binh Duong.
