Hanoi FC beat PVF-CAND 4-0: a testament to coach Harry Kewell's impact.
Hanoi FC beat PVF-CAND 4-0 at Hang Day Stadium: their biggest win of the season, the first time in three years they've won by a four-goal margin with a clean sheet, a testament to coach Harry Kewell's tactical prowess.
On the evening of October 4th, Hang Day Stadium witnessed a 4-0 victory for Hanoi FC against PVF-CAND – the biggest win for the capital city team this season and also the first time in three years they have won by a four-goal margin without conceding a goal. After only four matches in charge, coach Harry Kewell has already left a clear mark on the team's organization, intensity, and discipline.
Tactical hallmarks: organization, control, and discipline.
After the match, coach Harry Kewell emphasized the team's organization, teamwork, and sustained intensity throughout the 90 minutes. He said: “The whole team was well-organized, understood each other's playing style, and maintained the intensity throughout the 90 minutes. I am particularly pleased with the positive competition among the players… Against PVF-CAND, we controlled the game well and defended very solidly.”
On that foundation, Hanoi FC displayed a more coherent playing structure: purposeful ball control and a tight defensive system. “Football is a game of thought,” Kewell shared, emphasizing a thoughtful approach rather than relying solely on speed or instinct.
How Hanoi FC controlled the game and kept a clean sheet.
90-minute intensity and organization
The message from the technical area translated into effectiveness on the field: maintain intensity until the very last minute and keep the team's formation compact. The result was a match where Hanoi FC both controlled the tempo and minimized space for their opponents.
Internal competition creates motivation.
Kewell emphasizes "positive competition"—a foundation that helps players focus and improve their performance. This is often reflected in synchronized pressing, the ability to quickly recover the ball after losing possession, and focused defensive concentration in key areas. Against PVF-CAND, that effect was demonstrated by keeping a clean sheet and maintaining consistent pressure.
Reaction from manager Harry Kewell
The Australian manager praised the team's speed of adaptation: "I was quite surprised by their speed of adaptation. The players understood and grasped my philosophy very quickly. I was impressed with how they approached the game – because for me, football is a game of thinking."
From this observation, it can be seen that Hanoi FC is undergoing a positive transformation under the former Liverpool star: a clear philosophy, demanding high intensity, and emphasizing control and defensive discipline.
Selective statistics
- Score: Hanoi FC 4-0 PVF-CAND.
- This was Hanoi FC's biggest win of the season so far.
- For the first time in three years, Hanoi FC won by a margin of four goals and kept a clean sheet.
- The impact came early: after only 4 matches under manager Harry Kewell.
Significance and impact for the 2025/26 season
The 4-0 victory brought more than just three points: it confirmed a tactical direction where organization and intensity became the norm. With high ambitions for the 2025/26 season, this performance rekindled fan confidence and laid the foundation for a team that plays with both intelligence and discipline – values that manager Harry Kewell has consistently emphasized.
