Thanh Hoa defeats PVF-CAND 1-0: Ngoc My plays the hero in this crucial six-point match.
Nguyen Ngoc My's solitary goal in the 62nd minute secured a crucial victory for Thanh Hoa against direct rival PVF-CAND, marking a major turning point in the V-League 2025/26 relegation battle.
In a crucial match to avoid relegation, Thanh Hoa capitalized on their home advantage to secure a narrow 1-0 victory against PVF-CAND. Nguyen Ngoc My's moment of brilliance not only earned them three valuable points but also helped the Thanh Hoa team establish a safe distance from the relegation zone, while simultaneously plunging their rivals deeper into crisis.
The turning point from the exemplary phase transition
The match unfolded cautiously from both sides right from the opening whistle. PVF-CAND had the first dangerous opportunity in the 10th minute when foreign player Mahmoud unleashed a close-range header, but the ball narrowly missed the post. This early warning from the visiting team forced Thanh Hoa to tighten their defense, maintaining a back-and-forth game throughout the first half.
The difference was only made in the 62nd minute by a lightning-fast transition from the home team. From the right flank, a perfectly placed cross completely bypassed the PVF-CAND defense. Striker Nguyen Ngoc My, with his intelligent positioning, made a powerful run and headed the ball into the net, breaking the deadlock.
The situation is reversed on the leaderboard.
Ngoc My's goal turned the final 30 minutes into a physical and mental ordeal for PVF-CAND. Despite their efforts to push forward in search of an equalizer, the visitors' attacks lacked the necessary sharpness to penetrate Thanh Hoa's disciplined defense. The final whistle blew, revealing two contrasting emotions on the field.
This victory brings Thanh Hoa's total points to 20, solidifying their 10th position in the standings. This is considered a "six-point" win, providing a huge psychological boost for the Thanh Hoa team as the tournament enters its most crucial stage.
Conversely, PVF-CAND is facing a bleak outlook. Their defeat against a direct competitor has left them stuck in second-to-last place with 13 points. Currently, the police team is only one point ahead of bottom-placed Da Nang. If they don't improve their performance and rediscover their scoring form, the threat of relegation is more imminent than ever for the PVF-CAND coach and his team.
