Mr. Kim's 'favorite student' creates assists as expected, Coach Polking and Popov are evenly matched

On the evening of August 15 at Hang Day Stadium, the 2025 - 2026 V-League opened spectacularly, when the two coaches Polking and Popov brought an attractive capital derby with the fiery attacking spirit of Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) and The Cong Viettel.

Lucao scored the first goal of V-League 2025 - 2026 in the 3rd minute

Photo: Minh Tu

A heated battle of wits between Coach Polking and Popov

The match between CAHN Club and The Cong Viettel is also a highly anticipated confrontation between two talented and individual foreign coaches, considered to be the top coaches in Vietnam at the moment, Velizar Popov and Mano Polking.

Right in the 3rd minute, Coach Popov had the opportunity to celebrate when right in the 3rd minute, from a skillful cross by Vietnamese player Tien Anh - a favorite of Coach Kim Sang-sik, rookie Lucao opened the account for The Cong Viettel with a tricky header, marking the first goal of V-League 2025 - 2026.

This early goal really heated up the match, as both teams threw away caution to push the pace of play to a dizzying pace, with situations of exchanging blows in quick succession.

Alan equalized 1-1 for CAHN Club

Photo: Minh Tu

We must acknowledge the bravery of CAHN Club, when they did not waver after conceding the goal. On the contrary, Quang Hai and his teammates continued to play creatively and flexibly, putting great pressure on the defense of The Cong Viettel without the injured Thanh Binh.

After many opportunities and pressure, the equalizer 1-1 came to the home team CAHN in the 22nd minute, when Dinh Trong rose high and stretched the ball just in time for Alan to shoot and put the ball into the net of goalkeeper Van Phong.

No one gives in!

Not satisfied with the game and the 1-1 draw after the first half, coach Popov decisively withdrew Xuan Tien and Van Tu to replace them with Van Tram and Nhat Nam to strengthen the midfield while coach Polking let Van Duc and Quang Vinh rest to make room for the U.23 Southeast Asian champion Dinh Bac and Van Do.

Coach Mano Polking...

Photo: Minh Tu

... and coach Velizar Popov had a fierce competition.

Photo: Minh Tu

In the second half, Coach Polking urged CAHN Club to play more and more aggressively with quick passes, few touches and continuous positional exchanges between Quang Hai, Alan, Artur and Dinh Bac, forcing The Cong Viettel to proactively lower their defensive formation, waiting for a quick counterattack.

Coach Popov's adjustments made the second half of the match less exciting, with a slower pace, but the intensity remained unchanged as players from both sides continuously tackled the ball very strongly, with fiery collisions and tricks that left players lying on the ground continuously.

The temperature of the match became hotter towards the end, forcing coach Popov to leave the technical area to react, while referee Hoang Ngoc Ha and his assistants had to work at full capacity to cool down the hot heads.

No more goals were scored, both CAHN and The Cong Viettel teams were temporarily satisfied when leaving the field with 1 point each, while the two coaches Polking and Popov also exchanged a firm handshake after the first match ended in a draw.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tro-cung-ong-kim-kien-tao-nhu-dat-hlv-polking-va-popov-bat-phan-thang-bai-185250815212227908.htm