5 highlights of round 1 V.League 2019

Let's look back at 5 highlights compiled by Nghe An newspaper:

1. Impressive comebacks

The name that fans are waiting for to shine the most is probably midfielder Tuan Anh of HAGL. After a long period of treatment for a knee injury, Tuan Anh is expected to shine as the leader for the mountain town team to conquer the V.League this year.

HAGL had a trip to Nha Trang to meet Khanh Hoa team. Tuan Anh was given the captain's armband and played confidently even though he could not play at 100% of his form. He contributed significantly to HAGL's resounding 4-1 victory over the home team Khanh Hoa.

Midfielder Tuan Anh returns in a new role as HAGL captain. Photo: VPF

In addition to Tuan Anh, round 1 of V.League 2019 also witnessed the impressive return of former national team goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh. The goalkeeper from Do Luong repeatedly made Quang Nam strikers helpless when they strongly pushed forward to find an equalizer after being 2 goals down.

Not the star Phan Van Duc, not the player voted the best in the match Olaha, Nguyen Manh was the most sought after name after the match.

The performance of SLNA's captain in this match surprised everyone, it was hard to believe that it was the performance of a goalkeeper who had been out of action for more than a year.

2. Nam Dinh is the most impressive team

After the end of V.League 2018, the Nam Dinh football team encountered many difficulties. The slow disbursement of funds brought the team to the brink of dissolution, a series of key players left, making the team's fans restless. Fortunately, all problems were resolved, with the support of generous donors, Nam Dinh entered V.League 2019 with higher ambitions.

Not highly rated in this year's V.League, Nam Dinh still had an impressive debut. Photo: VPF

At Thien Truong Stadium, the home team Nam Dinh welcomed the away team Saigon FC. Without big stars like Dinh Viet Tu and Sy Minh, Nam Dinh still played a great match and won 2-1 against coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team.

After many difficulties, Nam Dinh football is gradually seeing more positive signs. With the current strength, Nam Dinh has completely achieved the top 10 goal.

3. Red card of Que Ngoc Hai

Que Ngoc Hai is the most notable contract of the 2019 V.League season. He left SLNA after many years of association and joined the new player Viettel with a 3-year contract and a large salary commensurate with the level of a top Vietnamese central defender.

Que Ngoc Hai's red card was the most regrettable thing of round 1. Photo: Sport

Playing extremely well at the AFF Cup and Asian Cup, but it's hard to believe that in the first match in the new shirt, Que Ngoc Hai received a red card and had to leave the field after 40 minutes on the field.

The red card that Que Ngoc Hai received was because he had previously been given two yellow cards. In the situation of receiving the second yellow card, the main referee made a controversial decision when he thought that the ball had touched Ngoc Hai's hand in the Viettel penalty area.

4. Van Toan is the best even though he didn't score

In the opening match of V.League 2019, HAGL won 4-1 on the field of Khanh Hoa team. The goalscorers were Minh Vuong, Hong Duy and a double from Walsh Chevaughn. However, the best player was striker Nguyen Van Toan. He was present in all 4 goals of HAGL Club.

5. The reigning champion shows off his destructive power.

Before the start of V.League 2019, many people were curious to know which team was strong enough to compete with Hanoi FC. In 2018, they won the championship with a terrible power. Hanoi's current strength is even rated higher than last season.

This year, Quang Ninh Coal has many positive changes in personnel and operating budget. They marched to Hang Day with the determination to bring home 3 points to win the 1 billion VND prize from sponsors.

Hanoi is still too strong in V.League 2019. Photo: VPF

However, at Hang Day Stadium on February 23, Hanoi did not give the visitors from the Northeast region a chance to do so. After 90 minutes of play, Than Quang Ninh lost 5-0 to the capital team.

With what has been shown, perhaps the scenario of last season will be repeated. Hanoi is really too strong compared to the rest and it is not surprising if this year Mr. Hien's team will once again be crowned in the highest arena in Vietnam.