PVF-CAND tied 2-2 with The Cong Viettel, late because of G-Dragon
The accident on Thanh Tri bridge and G-Dragon concert caused PVF-CAND – The Cong Viettel to be pushed back to 19:00; Hoang Vu Samson equalized 2-2 in the 90+7 minute after the away team took the lead.
In the 7th minute of injury time, Hoang Vu Samson put the ball into the net, keeping the 2-2 draw for PVF-CAND in an evening where the opening whistle had to be delayed for an hour due to congestion caused by an accident on Thanh Tri bridge plus increased traffic due to G-Dragon's concert. The match was moved to 19:00 after the Organizing Committee and the two teams agreed to ensure fair competition conditions.
The match was delayed due to an accident and G-Dragon's concert.
Coach Velizar Popov's team departed from the headquarters in Hoa Lac (Hanoi) at 2:00 p.m. to move to Hung Yen. However, the team was "stuck" for many hours on Thanh Tri bridge due to a traffic accident, combined with the sudden increase in traffic due to artist G-Dragon's concert, causing the road to be overloaded.
At 17:45, 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time, The Cong Viettel still could not be present. The home team PVF-CAND had come out to warm up but had to return to the locker room to wait for their opponents. After reaching an agreement between the Organizing Committee and the two teams, the match was postponed to 19:00 the same day to ensure physical strength and preparation.
Although rare, the flexible decision helps the match still take place on the right day, maintaining the fairness and professionalism of V-League.
Key events: taking the lead, coming back and the breathtaking 90+7 minute
On the field, PVF-CAND quickly took the lead when Amarildo opened the scoring in the 20th minute. The spirit of a V-League championship contender helped The Cong Viettel turn the tables thanks to goals from Kyle Colonna and Khuat Van Khang.
The drama was heightened in the final minutes. When it seemed like coach Velizar Popov's team could leave the field with 3 points, Hoang Vu Samson appeared at the right time in the 7th minute of extra time (90+7), sealing a 2-2 draw for PVF-CAND.
The preparation rhythm is disrupted, the courage is tested by fire
Delayed kick-offs often entail changes in players’ warm-up cycles, nutrition and mentality. Away teams have to travel long distances, facing uncertainty about when they will arrive; home teams warm up and then stop, waiting for their opponents. In this context, the ability to manage energy and focus becomes a decisive factor.
The Cong Viettel showed their ability to adapt when they quickly regained their rhythm and scored two goals to take the lead. But PVF-CAND also demonstrated their physical strength and unyielding spirit, as evidenced by Hoang Vu Samson's 90+7 finish.
Notable milestones
- 14:00: The Cong Viettel departs from Hoa Lac (Hanoi) to Hung Yen.
- Traffic jam for hours on Thanh Tri bridge due to accident and increased traffic because of G-Dragon concert.
- 17:45: The away team has not arrived at the field yet; PVF-CAND must temporarily stop warming up.
- 19:00: The match is postponed and begins.
- 20': Amarildo opened the score 1-0 for PVF-CAND.
- Kyle Colonna and Khuat Van Khang scored to help The Cong Viettel take the lead.
- 90+7: Hoang Vu Samson equalized 2-2 for PVF-CAND.
Impact and recognition
The unexpected traffic incident forced the match schedule to be adjusted, but the timely handling helped the match to be complete in terms of expertise and organization. From taking the lead to being overturned and then finding a point in the 90+7 minute, PVF-CAND showed their tenacity. For The Cong Viettel, the ability to overcome difficult travel to control the game and convert opportunities into goals is still a valuable support for the competition in V-League.