Three reasons why SLNA 'collapsed'
(Baonghean.vn) - Last year, even when Ho Chi Minh City FC was considered weaker, they still managed to win at Vinh Stadium, so it's normal for Cong Phuong and his teammates to take home 3 points. What's abnormal is the events on the field, not the 1-3 result.
Hiding people and concealing faces.
Firstly, while coach Quang Trường and his players were celebrating their 1-0 victory against Hanoi FC, coach Chung Hae-seong and club president Hữu Thắng were already making plans for the match against SLNA. Proof of this is that he rested Văn Thuận and Phi Sơn, giving Văn Thành and Huy Toàn a chance to play in the 3-0 win against Viettel.
Therefore, when SLNA brought the same lineup from Hang Day Stadium to Vinh Stadium, even their substitutions were anticipated by the opposing team, who then devised countermeasures. This was a match where the opposing team understood the home team's playing style very well, while SLNA had absolutely no information about their opponent.
 |
| This was a game where Cong Phuong played exceptionally well. Photo: Duc Anh |
It's clear that the Ho Chi Minh City coaching staff calculated very carefully by benching Hoang Thinh, Phi Son, and Xuan Nam. They instructed Sam Ngoc Duc, Van Thuan, and Huy Toan to play aggressively to intimidate the young SLNA players. Striker Amido Balde even moved widely and deliberately provoked center-back Gustavo to psychologically disrupt him. Very clever!
Next, it must be said that the quality of TP.HCM's players is far superior to that of the home team. Watching Cong Phuong's dazzling skills against Dinh Chau and Van Lam, SLNA's defeat is nothing to regret. TP.HCM's central defensive duo, Huu Tuan and Diakite, only need to neutralize Van Duc, and the home team's attack will be rendered harmless.
 |
| Mr. Chung proved to be too clever. (Photo: AT) |
Finally, the psychological preparation for the match by coach Quang Trường and the SLNA coaching staff was not good. It seems their peak performance was already evident in the previous match, so when they returned to Vinh Stadium, the players played quite enthusiastically. However, when facing a more experienced opponent, many players suddenly became tense. Even their physical condition was affected; watching the midfielders' movements, viewers could understand that the match against Hanoi had completely drained the young players' energy.
What remains
The most striking example is Ho Tuan Tai, who had many good scoring opportunities but instead passed the ball to a teammate (?!). This explains why his path to the national team has been so difficult. Young center-back Ba Sang had a memorable game when his partner Gustavo was having psychological issues, causing the defense to lose direction at times. The third goal conceded is a prime example, with many players in their own half yet allowing Amido Balde to have free rein.
 |
| A header scored the equalizer for SLNA. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
