Hanoi Police lost 0-1 to Tai Po, but coach Polking was still satisfied.

Hanoi Police lost 0-1 away to Tai Po in their final group stage match of the AFC Champions League Two, on a day when they had already secured their place in the round of 16. The goal came from a penalty kick scored by James Temelkovski. Despite losing the top spot in the group, coach Alexandre Polking expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and fighting spirit.

The crucial moment from the penalty spot.

With a relaxed mindset after defeating Beijing Guoan to secure their place in the next round, Hanoi Police entered the final match aiming to compete for the top spot in the group. The match unfolded with an attacking style of play and high intensity. The turning point came when the home team successfully converted a penalty, and James Temelkovski's sole goal sealed a 1-0 victory.

Key developments: attacking play and decisive "small margins" of victory.

Both teams played an attacking style, avoiding defensive tactics and constantly pushing forward. On a day when the outcome was decided by a penalty kick, Hanoi Police left the field with a narrow defeat. The result cost them the top spot in the league, but the match still offered many positive aspects in terms of spirit and approach.

Perspective from the dugout

Alexandre Polking maintained a calm demeanor and emphasized the professional value of the 90 minutes of competition. He said: “It’s great to be here and play football in such a fiery atmosphere today. Both teams played with great spirit, weren’t afraid to face each other and always pushed forward. This is what any neutral fan would want to see.”

He continued: “I am pleased with how the whole team played, with a performance that is good enough to aim for more positive results in the future.” This message reflects the coaching staff’s priorities: maintaining the rhythm of the game, sustaining mental intensity, and seeking necessary adjustments for the knockout stage.

Significance after the match: objective achieved, experience gained.

Having advanced from the group stage early, Hanoi Police had the opportunity to test their mettle in a tense match focused on securing a top position. The 0-1 defeat – stemming from a decisive penalty kick – is seen as a valuable lesson learned in high-pressure situations. It also served as a psychological test, as the team had to both maintain their established foundation and keep their momentum going into the knockout rounds.

On a broader level, losing the top spot means the road ahead may be tougher, but the morale and satisfaction from the coaching staff suggest the team is ready to continue adapting. The "always moving forward" spirit—as the coach himself put it—is a key highlight for the next phase.

Highlights that were noted

• Score: Tai Po 1-0 Hanoi Police.
• Goal: James Temelkovski (penalty).
• Matchday: Final match of the AFC Champions League Two group stage.
• Situation: Hanoi Police have already secured their place in the round of 16 after defeating Beijing Guoan.
• Reaction: Alexandre Polking was pleased with the performance, praising the fighting spirit and the atmosphere of the match.

Match summary

After the final whistle

The result wasn't what was expected for the top spot, but the message from the coaching staff focused on the process rather than a single score. Hanoi Police had the opportunity to test their mettle in a heated atmosphere and direct confrontation, a common challenge in the knockout rounds. With the foundation they've built and the consistency in the coach's message, the team looks forward to the next stage with a proactive mindset.

CTVX