After drawing in their opening match, Hanoi Police FC continued their struggles with a 0-1 defeat to Thanh Hoa in the second round of the V-League 2024-2025 season.
Last week, Hanoi Police FC missed out on victory after conceding a last-minute equalizer to Hai Phong in a 1-1 draw. Today’s match at Hang Day Stadium was seen as a prime opportunity for the former champions to bounce back and claim their first win of the season.
They had many reasons to feel optimistic. Along with the advantage of playing at home, Hanoi Police FC boasts a squad filled with national team stars. In their previous five encounters with Thanh Hoa, they had won three and drawn one. Additionally, Thanh Hoa was reeling from two consecutive defeats — a 0-3 loss to Nam Dinh in the Super Cup and a 1-2 loss to Binh Duong in the V-League opener.
However, a heavy downpour in the evening that delayed the match for over 30 minutes foreshadowed a bitter end for Hanoi Police FC.
In the 59th minute, during a tight contest, Leo Artur lost possession in midfield, allowing Thanh Hoa to launch a swift counterattack. Antonio set up Yago Ramos, who calmly slotted the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Filip Nguyen to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
This goal epitomized Thanh Hoa’s approach. They played a disciplined, compact defensive game but struck quickly and effectively when opportunities arose. Thanh Hoa had an earlier chance in the 10th minute when Le Van Thang found the back of the net. However, after consulting VAR, referee Le Vu Linh disallowed the goal due to a foul on Domingo Gomes.
Hanoi Police FC’s overall play was not without merit. They maintained good ball control, executed short passes efficiently, and increased pressure on Thanh Hoa’s defense, especially early in the second half. However, their efforts lacked precision. Midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai failed to connect properly with a shot just outside the box, and Le Pham Thanh Long sent a close-range effort over the bar.
Following the goal, Hanoi Police FC pushed even harder for an equalizer but struggled due to the absence of a target striker. They had recruited Alan Grafite before the season, but an injury sustained in a friendly against Hanoi FC left him sidelined long-term. Another new signing, Leo Artur, was unable to replicate the form he showed last season with Binh Dinh, where he helped his team finish as V-League runners-up.
Luck was also not on Hanoi Police FC’s side. In the 73rd minute, a failed clearance by a Thanh Hoa defender fell to Le Van Do, who curled a shot towards goal only to see it crash off the post. On the sidelines, coach Mano Polking held his head in frustration. The former Thailand national team coach seems to be struggling to find his footing in the V-League.
Looking ahead to Round 3 on September 30, Hanoi Police FC will face Binh Duong at home, while Thanh Hoa will travel to play Hai Phong.
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