SLNA and its 'wings' are gradually soaring higher.
(Baonghean.vn) - Before the match in round 7 between home team Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) and their neighbor Hong Linh Ha Tinh (HLHT), which many call the "Nghe An derby," coach Huy Hoang only hoped his team would "get a point," perhaps hoping for at least a draw, and not dreaming of a victory with 3 points in hand.
The reason he didn't say it is obvious to everyone: in recent head-to-head matches, SLNA hasn't won a single game, most recently in V-League 2021, where the home team lost 0-2. Meanwhile, HLHT is thriving with two consecutive wins in V-League 1-2022, so even with determination, Huy Hoang doesn't dare dream of winning the match or breaking the previous streak of draws and losses against this team that knows him so well.
In the match, SLNA continued to be without foreign midfielder Ojong Mark, and defender Dinh Hoang was serving a suspension, so Xuan Tien was still given a starting spot, alongside his teammate from the Vietnam U17, U19, and U23 teams, defender Van Cuong. Fielding two U19 players at once in a V-League match, especially in a derby, was a risky move, but it seemed Huy Hoang had no other choice.
 |
Sy Hoang's assist led to Oseni's only goal in the 16th minute, marking his second V-League goal for SLNA. (Photo courtesy of Chung Nguyen) |
Meanwhile, while HLHT is missing their captain and midfielder Thanh Trung, the visiting team has coach Thanh Cong, midfielder Xuan Toan, not to mention Phi Son's injury, and midfielder Van Cong… all former SLNA players, born and raised in Nghe An, making it easy for them to understand the tactics, strengths, and weaknesses of both the coach and the players. Furthermore, in training or friendly matches, the two neighboring teams often serve as each other's "sparring partners," so familiarity is inevitable. Not to mention, for a relatively new team like HLHT, the desire to reach a higher level is always burning in every player. Playing well against a team with such a rich tradition as SLNA is something any team would want, including HLHT.
 |
The match was evenly contested, but no further goals were scored after Oseni's goal in the 16th minute. (Photo: Chung Nguyen) |
Because they knew each other so well, the two teams played a back-and-forth, intense game throughout the 90 minutes. HLHT's wing attacks were quite sharp, especially on the left with Quách Tân, who repeatedly broke down the wing to cross the ball into the box. Ngọc Hải and his teammates were always highly vigilant to neutralize the attacks coming from the second line. HLHT also excelled in set-piece situations. Unfortunately, center-back Văn Nam had at least two dangerous headers, but both were saved by goalkeeper Văn Hoàng of the home team.
Overall, throughout the match, SLNA's midfield was considered more energetic, cohesive, and better at distributing the ball than the visiting team's midfield. Xuan Tien, starting for the second time, still played for no more than 65 minutes but showed composure and good integration with his senior teammates Van Duc and Xuan Manh. Van Cuong and Sy Hoang took on the heavy responsibilities on the flanks, and their youthful energy and passion helped them soar, completing their tasks well, especially Sy Hoang with his assist for Oseni's only goal in the 16th minute – his second V-League goal for SLNA.
In the last two matches, young defender Sy Hoang scored one goal and provided one assist, a very commendable achievement, after a long period of training with the Vietnam U23 team but not being included in the squad for the SEA Games 32. In addition, it should be added that some awkward moments from young player Van Cuong in his first start are completely understandable and forgivable.
Over time, the pair of Xuan Tien and Van Cuong—the youngest starting players of SLNA—will gradually improve and catch up with the other key players. They are the greatest hope for Nghe An football at this time.
Also in this tense and exciting match, with a bit more luck, Oseni could have scored a brace if his close-range shot in the middle of the second half had been more accurate and well-placed. Van Duc also had two opportunities to score "super goals" but unfortunately, luck wasn't on his side. Goalkeeper Van Hoang had a very commendable game, always controlling the penalty area, coming out and handling the ball accurately and neatly…
The visiting team must still be regretting their missed opportunities after the match, especially with Quách Tân and Văn Nam squandering clear chances. SLNA's defense kept clean sheets in their two most recent home games, but that doesn't mean everything was perfect. In just the first few minutes of the first half of that match, center-backs Văn Khánh and Bá Sang received yellow cards, impacting not only that game but potentially having further consequences if they receive more cards. Certainly, SLNA's defensive stability will be disrupted by the numerous fouls committed by the back line, and if the referee is too strict, the consequences for future away matches are unpredictable.
