VietNamNet Bridge – The 2014 V-League season continued in stadiums nationwide last weekend with five round 16 clashes. The following are the five most notable events in this round of competition.

Newly appointed men’s national team coach, Toshiya Miura (in blue)

1. Toshiya Miura tours V-League matches

The 16th round saw the first scouting tour made by the newly appointed coach of the men’s national football team, Toshiya Miura, since he signed a two-year contract with the Vietnam Football Federation on May 10. The Japanese tactician watched two matches: Song Lam Nghe An vs. SHB Da Nang and Vicem Hai Phong vs. QNK Quang Nam. Watching in person is one of his several ways to get information on Vietnamese players and seek outstanding footballers for the national team.

2. Hanoi T&T approach top spot

Hanoi T&T recorded an important 2-0 win over Dong Nai on May 23 to ensure their top-three place and narrow the gap with the frontrunners to just three points. It is likely that the team will sneak past Becamex Binh Duong and Thanh Hoa to dominate the standings, as they still have two games yet to play.

3. Dong Tam Long An move away from bottom spot

Dong Tam Long An reached their second win in the 2014 V-League season as they surprisingly beat Quang Ninh Coal 2-1 on Saturday. Although the victory was not enough to improve their 11th-place ranking in the standings, it pushed Long An further away from the relegation zone by broadening the gap over bottom-sitters Hung Vuong An Giang to five points.

4. Former champions drop points against underdogs

Two-time V-League champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai missed a golden opportunity to catch up with the frontrunners following their disappointing 3-3 draw against Hung Vuong An Giang, who were considered the underdogs because of their bottom ranking. Despite taking a 3-1 lead, Gia Lai paid a steep price for their loose defence as An Giang bounced back to equalise the score six minutes after the hour mark.

5. A dazzling goal by Mac Hong Quan

Mac Hong Quan, formerly of Thanh Hoa, rallied to an impressive debut in the first match for his new team, Hung Vuong An Giang, on Sunday as he scored after just 38 seconds on the field as a substitute. Quan’s dazzling goal in the 66th minute, the fastest in his career, made it 3-3 for An Giang and saved the team from an empty-handed match against much stronger opponents Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

Nhan Dan/VNN