Thanh Hoa beat SLNA 1-0, coach Choi says he hasn't received his salary for 3 months.

A moment in the 32nd minute split the fate of the match at Vinh Stadium: a mistake by goalkeeper Cao Van Binh opened up the goal, and Rimario didn't miss, scoring the only goal to give Dong A Thanh Hoa a 1-0 victory over Song Lam Nghe An in Round 8 of the V-League 2025/26. These three points were hailed by coach Choi Won-kwon as the result of hard work and preparation, amidst revelations that the team hadn't received salaries for 4-5 months, and he himself for 3 months.

The decisive moment: goalkeeper's mistake and Rimario's instincts.

The match was evenly balanced and full of clashes from the start. Both SLNA and Thanh Hoa created promising opportunities, but inaccurate finishing prevented the goal from being breached early on. The turning point came in the 32nd minute: from an unsafe handling error by the defense and goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, Rimario seized the opportunity to shoot into the empty net, giving the visitors the lead.

In tense matches, the team that capitalizes on mistakes gains the upper hand. In Vinh, Thanh Hoa did this better: without needing many touches, a single well-timed decision from their main striker was enough to unlock the game.

Second half: SLNA pushes forward, Thanh Hoa closes the gaps.

After the break, SLNA pushed forward in search of an equalizer. The home team increased the pressure but couldn't break through Thanh Hoa's solid defense. Meanwhile, the visitors opted for a safe approach, prioritizing a disciplined defensive block, fiercely contesting the ball, and waiting for opportunities to counter-attack.

SLNA not only struggled with final decision-making but also repeatedly put themselves at risk with unsafe plays in the defensive line. As a result, Thanh Hoa came close to doubling their lead at times, but a 1-0 victory was enough to end the match.

Tactical perspective: protect the advantage with a low-profile structure, and a smooth transition.

After scoring the opening goal, Thanh Hoa shifted their focus to controlling space rather than ball possession. Their lines maintained close proximity, minimizing the gaps between defenders and midfielders. This approach forced SLNA to either move the ball wide or shoot from unfavorable positions.

Conversely, SLNA tried to increase the tempo of their play after a goalless first half. But with decisive passes lacking accuracy, the steadfastness and focus of the visiting team's defense proved to be the difference.

Notable statements: victory wasn't due to luck, and the issue of salary.

Coach Choi Won-kwon emphasized the deservedness of the three points: "We showed everything we were capable of. In this match, we achieved the most important thing: securing all three points."

He also shared about the behind-the-scenes difficulties: “As you know, the situation at Dong A Thanh Hoa is extremely difficult. Up until now, it's been 4-5 months since we received our salaries. I've been working here for 3 months and haven't received my salary either. But with today's victory, it will change the situation, change the ranking. I hope that it will bring about better cohesion and positive changes for our team behind the scenes.”

Impact: First 3 points after 8 rounds and a psychological boost.

The victory in Vinh not only relieved the pressure of achieving results for Thanh Hoa but also held special morale in the context of financial difficulties. According to recorded events, this was the team's first three points after eight rounds of the V-League 2025/26 — a milestone that could help strengthen the cohesion in the locker room, as coach Choi had hoped.

By turning an opponent's mistake into a victory, Thanh Hoa reiterated a key principle of top-level football: focus and discipline in both penalty areas. On their long journey ahead, the 90 minutes in Vinh could be the foundation for the Thanh Hoa team to change their trajectory.

Key facts

• Tournament: V-League 2025/26, Round 8
• Result: SLNA 0-1 Dong A Thanh Hoa
• Goal: Rimario 32'
• Context: Thanh Hoa earns its first 3 points after 8 rounds.
• Statement: Coach Choi said the team hasn't received salaries for 4-5 months, and he himself hasn't for 3 months.