VietNamNet Bridge – Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) thrashed Quang Ninh Coal 4-0 in the 16th round of the V-League yesterday.

Strong showing: It took Van Toan (right) just two minutes to open the scoring, setting the tone for the game. — Photo tuoitre.vn

The team from Gia Lai also beat Quang Ninh Coal 4-2 in Pleiku last season, and 5-0 in the National Cup 2018.

HAGL defender Vu Van Thanh was suspended for the game after picking up three yellow cards in previous matches, while there were only two naturalized players on the substitute’s bench.

It took Van Toan just two minutes to open the scoring, setting the tone for the game, and things got worse for Quang Ninh Coal in the 26th minute when the team was sent off for a rough challenge from behind on Van Toan that resulted in a free kick. Minh Vuong stepped up to take it, but smashed his chance against the crossbar.

HAGL were not to be denied, and a pass from unmarked striker Cong Phuong from the right wing allowed Van Toan to add his second on 40 minutes, and it was 3-0 before half time when striker Cong Phuong avoided Quang Ninh Coal defence to slide home.

In the second half, HAGL were content to keep hold of the ball, and coach Duong Minh Ninh decided to replace goalscorer Van Toan with striker Thanh Tung with 67 minutes gone.

To their credit, Quang Ninh Coal didn’t stop fighting, hitting the crossbar in the 78th minute with a shot from Nghiem Xuan Tu.

But it was substitute Thanh Tung who had the final say, adding a fourth goal in the 93rd minute.

Elsewhere yesterday, Thanh Hoa beat Hai Phong 2-0, while Sanna Khanh Hoa tied with Bicamex Binh Duong 1-1.

Sai Gon FC sign midfielder Trinh Quang Vinh

V.League 1’s Sai Gon FC have signed midfielder Trinh Quang Vinh from Thanh Hoa ahead of the second half of the season.

Midfielder Trinh Quang Vinh. — Photo thethaovietnam.vn

The 30-year-old joined Thanh Hoa at the start of the season after a year with HCM City Club, but only played two matches for them.

Sai Gon FC have also agreed a deal for midfielder Le Quoc Phuong with Thanh Hoa to strengthen their squad. Phuong scored two goals in three matches for Sai Gon.

At present, Sai Gon FC are sitting in 12th out of 14 teams with 13 points, and are trying to avoid relegation.

Sai Gon will next face Song Lam Nghe An today.

Source: VNS