Toyota V-League 1's 22nd highlights

Gia Lai downing Nghe An 3-1 to rekindle hopes for relegation escape, Quoc Phuong’s goal giving Thanh Hoa a victory, and Binh Duong continuing their winning streak were among the five most notable events of the Toyota V-League 1-2015 Round 22.

Trong Hoang scored two goals to bring a victory to Binh Duong.

1. Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) surprisingly defeat Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) 3-1

Gia Lai began their struggle for a stay in the national premier league with a series of reforms under the reign of newly-appointed coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan. In the clash with Nghe An last Sunday, hosts HAGL only needed 11 minutes for three goals to come from behind to beat SLNA 3-1. In particular, favourite Cong Phuong shined with an equaliser and an assist for Vu Van Thanh to set up the 3-1 win. The victory helped HAGL to balance the score with Dong Nai, as both team are now at the bottom with 17 points each.

2. ‘Super’ Phuong earns Thanh Hoa a precious win

A 2-5 loss in the previous round to Dong Nai somewhat disappointed FLC Thanh Hoa on their track to the championship title with Becamex Binh Duong. The team were in a deadlock at home against Dong Thap in the 22nd round, until coach Hoang Thanh Tung sent in midfielder Le Quoc Phuong into the yard. In the 58th minute, the midfielder with his ‘super’ left foot made a fantastic free kick to pin the ball into the far right corner scoring the only goal of the match. Quoc Phuong again made an important goal towards FLC Thanh Hoa’s championship dream.

3. Binh Duong reclaim top spot

The close 1-0 win over Dong Thap last Saturday only helped FLC Thanh Hoa take over the top spot from Binh Duong for one day, as the defending champion under coach Mai Duc Chung beat Dong Nai 2-1 on Sunday. Two goals by Binh Duong were recorded within only two minutes, thanks to Trong Hoang’s two headers. The victory not only helped Binh Duong reclaim their top spot but also reestablished the two point gap with FLC Thanh Hoa.

4. Khanh Hoa in top three

Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN are not a big favourite this season as the newly-promoted team neither have stars in their squad nor a good financial foundation. However, a 2-1 victory over SHB Da Nang officially named Khanh Hoa as part of the top three teams, overpassing several wealthy teams with big stars in their squads including Hanoi T&T, Quang Ninh Coal, and SLNA. The result were proof of the strong efforts by coach Vo Dinh Tan and his players.

5. Warming up for the finals

The 22nd round plays an important role in this year’s tournament as a preparation for the finals on both sides of the table standings. Binh Duong and Thanh Hoa both earned a win and are set to face each other in the next round’s match, considered the final of the season, as Binh Duong welcome guests Thanh Hoa at Go Dau Stadium. HAGL’s 3-1 win helped the team tie with Dong Nai before the two face each other in the hopes of staying in the national premier league in the next round.