Is Hong Linh Ha Tinh not used to being in a position of power?
Two consecutive draws against two weaker teams have shown that coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's squad is not yet ready to become a "big name" in the V.League 2024/2025.
The first two rounds, with two wins, have given Ha Tinh fans hope for their hometown team. Indeed, coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team has done very well, winning 1-0 against the reigning champions Thep Xanh Nam Dinh and defeating hosts SHB Da Nang with a score of 3-1.
Despite the possession rate ofHong Linh, Ha TinhDespite consistently being inferior to their opponents (even holding possession for only 38% in the match against Nam Dinh Steel), coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team still managed to secure maximum points.
The solidity of their defense, coupled with their smooth transitions and cool finishing, inflicted painful defeats on Nam Dinh Steel and SHB Da Nang.
However, in the next two matches against weaker opponents, Song Lam Nghe An and Quang Nam Club, Hong Linh Ha Tinh only managed two draws. The loss of victory in the final minutes of injury time in the Nghe Tinh Derby, and the draw at home against coach Van Sy Son's team, left Ha Tinh fans somewhat disappointed.
These "disappointing" draws have shown that Hong Linh Ha Tinh is not used to being the favorite. Against weaker opponents with a proactive defensive style of play, coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team is facing many difficulties in breaking through the opposing defense.
Hong Linh Ha Tinh performed quite well in situations where they brought the ball down the flanks, but their crosses into the center often lacked accuracy. When the ball reached the attacking players, the strikers' lack of finishing ability, especially that of forward Noel Mbo, prevented them from closing down their opponents. This is the weakness that has prevented Hong Linh Ha Tinh from becoming a "big team" this season.
Furthermore, opponents were aware of the danger posed by striker Geovane Magno after the Brazilian player scored a hat-trick against SHB Da Nang. Therefore, effectively neutralizing Geovane Magno also put coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team in a difficult situation.
On the other hand, Hong Linh Ha Tinh narrowly avoided conceding goals due to counter-attacks from their opponents. In the recent match against Quang Nam Club, only sheer determination and luck prevented coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team from conceding. Meanwhile, in the match against Song Lam Nghe An, Dinh Xuan Tien also lacked a bit of luck to open the scoring for the team.
Clearly, Hong Linh Ha Tinh's relentless pursuit of goals is a double-edged sword. If they fail to find effectiveness in attack, the team that suffers the most will be the one to lose.Coach Nguyen Thanh CongTherefore, Hong Linh Ha Tinh still has a lot of work to do to perfect its tactical system, so that it can soar high in this season.
Starting the season with 8 points after 4 rounds is a good achievement for Hong Linh Ha Tinh. They may not be a "big team" this season, but based on what they have shown, coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team could very well be the dark horse of the V.League 2024/2025.
