Cong Phuong misses penalty, HAGL suffers a crushing defeat.

The team from the mountainous region suffered a 0-4 defeat away to Quang Nam in the 16th round of the V-League 2015 on the afternoon of July 15th.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai is going through its darkest period of the season. Before this week's match, they had gone 11 consecutive games without a win, dropping to second-to-last place with only 10 points (only ahead of bottom-placed Dong Nai on goal difference). Quang Nam is actually not much better in terms of form, with only one win in their last 11 matches. This battle at Tam Ky Stadium seems like it's for the downtrodden.

One of the reasons for HAGL's current poor performance is the lack of quality foreign players. In this match, they were without the services of center-back Franklin due to suspension, and just seven minutes into the game, striker Sanogo Moussa suffered an injury and had to leave the field.

Cong Phuong (in white) and his teammates are becoming a source of easy points for teams in this year's V-League. Photo: Lam Thoa.

Similar to many previous matches, HAGL usually started with an aggressive attacking style, while their opponents remained cautious, but their efforts only resulted in chances. In the 21st minute, Thanh Tung broke into the penalty area but his shot was too slow, allowing the opponent to retreat and block it. Shortly after, Van Son's attempt from distance was also unsuccessful.

HAGL's performance gradually deteriorated, especially when Cong Phuong couldn't find a connection with the midfield. He felt completely isolated among his much taller and stronger teammates.

That's when Quang Nam launched sharp, fast counter-attacks. In the 30th minute, Minh Tuan set up Van Hau, who broke into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot, but the ball went wide of the target.In the 41st minute, HAGL's net finally hit the net.After receiving the ball in midfield, Suleiman pushed it to the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a left-footed shot straight into the top corner, scoring the opening goal for Quang Nam.

In the second half, HAGL intensified their attack, but while they failed to find a positive solution for their offense, their defense continued to play loosely.In the 51st minute, Patiyo tapped the ball in from close range to double the lead for the home team.Following a cross from the left wing by his teammate, this was the striker's 11th goal of the season, including three against HAGL. In the first leg, he scored a brace in the 2-2 draw at Pleiku Stadium.

HAGL (in white) is clearly facing the risk of relegation. Photo: Lam Thoa.

In the 57th minute, the lead was extended to 3-0.Suleiman scored again with a simple tap-in from close range, after goalkeeper Minh Nhựt missed a cross from the left wing.

About two minutes later, a HAGL player was fouled in the penalty area, giving the visiting team a penalty. However, from the penalty spot, Cong Phuong failed to beat goalkeeper Van Cuong.

In the subsequent period, Quang Nam deliberately slowed down the pace of the game to preserve their numbers and three-goal advantage. This allowed HAGL to have more control of the game, but they lacked the strength and ability to score. The only dangerous situation they created was a shot by center-back Tien Dung that went wide of the post in the 75th minute. Furthermore, in the third minute of added time, Guillaume Graechen's team conceded a fourth goal after...Thanh Trung dribbled past goalkeeper Minh Nhựt to seal the 4-0 victory..

According to VNE