Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong clubs 'push' Da Nang out of V-League

Ho Chi Minh City drew 0-0 in the final round of Group B, Phase II. Ho Chi Minh City Club and Binh Duong both escaped, leaving Da Nang stuck at the bottom of the V-League 2023 table and relegated.

Thong Nhat Stadium opened for free on the afternoon of August 11, so it welcomed a large number of spectators. The head of the V-League organizing committee and the head of the referee committee were present. Coach Philippe Troussier and his colleagues also came to the stadium to watch. However, the expectation of the audience and officials for a football party did not happen, when the two teams played somewhat without determination and superficially to stay in the league together.

Binh Duong striker Nguyen Tien Linh (white shirt) dribbles the ball but does not encounter any fierce blocking from Ho Chi Minh City players in the 0-0 draw at Thong Nhat Stadium on the afternoon of August 11. Photo: Dong Huyen — Binh Duong striker Nguyen Tien Linh (white shirt) dribbles the ball but does not encounter any fierce blocking from Ho Chi Minh City players in the 0-0 draw at Thong Nhat Stadium on the afternoon of August 11. Photo: *Dong Huyen*

Before the match, both Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong were likely to be relegated if they lost in the direct match at Thong Nhat Stadium, while Da Nang beat Khanh Hoa. Binh Duong coach Le Huynh Duc had previously declared that he "wouldn't be foolish enough to shake hands" to draw with Ho Chi Minh City. But in the match, the players of both teams lacked determination and coordination. When they learned that in the match at the same time in Nha Trang, Da Nang had led Khanh Hoa 2-0 early, the players of Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong had more reason to be cautious, keeping the score 0-0.

Throughout the match, not many opportunities were created on either team's goal. The most dangerous situation occurred in the 10th minute when a Ho Chi Minh City defender missed the ball, accidentally letting Tien Linh face goalkeeper Patrick Le Giang, but from about 10 meters away, the Binh Duong striker kicked the ball into the sky. Witnessing the missed shot, coach Troussier waved his hands in frustration in the stands. In the 24th minute, Doan Tuan Canh faced Patrick Le Giang again, but the ball was too light, allowing the home defender to get back and clear the ball.

Ho Chi Minh City also created the most dangerous opportunity in the 45th minute. But two consecutive headers by strikers Daniel Green and Mansaray could not beat goalkeeper Minh Toan of Binh Duong.

Head coach of the Vietnam national team Troussier applauded the players of both teams before the match. But his presence was not enough to help the players of Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong play more positively. Photo: Dong Huyen — Head coach of the Vietnam national team Troussier applauded the players of both teams before the match. But his presence was not enough to help the players of Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong play more positively. Photo: *Dong Huyen*

In the second half, both teams continued to play slowly. Ho Chi Minh City players mostly retreated to their own half to defend, not daring to advance for fear of taking risks. Binh Duong also did not put all their efforts into attacking. When they had the ball, players from both sides often easily passed the ball back and forth to each other without encountering any disputes. After calling for players to play more aggressively but not getting any response, many spectators left in the 65th minute.

The match gradually drifted towards the end following the same slow and superficial scenario. Ho Chi Minh City player Ngo Tung Quoc even handled the ball incomprehensibly in the 82nd minute. Having the ball from the right wing, but instead of coordinating the attack with two teammates who were moving up, he passed it straight to the Binh Duong goalkeeper.

Malaysian referee Razlan Joffri Bin Ali's whistle sounded as the HCM City players and coach Vu Tien Thanh hugged each other in extreme joy. Confetti was also shot up in the stands of the HCM City Fan Club to celebrate the home team's survival and relegation after a turbulent season.

In the same match, thanks to a hat-trick from foreign player Lucao do Break, Da Nang defeated host Khanh Hoa 3-1 but was still relegated . With 14 points, coach Pham Minh Duc's team is still stuck at the bottom of the table, 1 point behind Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong. Khanh Hoa, with 19 points, had secured their place in the league two rounds ago.

Da Nang players were sad after the final whistle at Nha Trang Stadium on the afternoon of August 11. Photo: Lam Thoa — Da Nang players were sad after the final whistle at Nha Trang Stadium on the afternoon of August 11. Photo: *Lam Thoa*

Relegation is a sad ending for Da Nang - a former powerhouse of the V-League. They are the team with the longest experience in the V-League, having won the right to play in this field after being runner-up in the National First Division in the 2000-2001 season, and have remained in the highest league in the Vietnamese professional football pyramid until now. In more than 20 years in the V-League, Da Nang has won the championship twice (2009, 2012), finished second twice (2005, 2013) and finished third twice (2011, 2016), won the National Cup in 2009 and the National Super Cup in 2012.

Duc Dong

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