Thanh Hoa team assistant criticized the referee, Hoang Duc had to check for injury

Viettel Club had a dramatic draw with Thanh Hoa Club in the earliest match of round 2 of V-League 2023 - 2024, taking place on the evening of October 27. Despite opening the score in the middle of the second half thanks to center-back Van Loi, Thanh Hoa Club only came away with 1 point, when Viettel Club equalized thanks to Bruno Cunha from the penalty spot in the 98th minute.

Coach Velizar Popov did not attend the post-match press conference, but sent assistant Mai Xuan Hop to do it instead. Mr. Hop shared: "The situation leading to the equalizer is a sensitive move in football, as it happened in extra time, and the extra time in this match was too long. In the first half, the referee continuously needed to consult with VAR. In the second half, although VAR did not intervene, the extra time was too long (8 minutes)."

Thanh Hoa Club shares points with Viettel Club

Regarding the reason why coach Popov did not hold a press conference, assistant Mai Xuan Hop briefly explained: "Mr. Popov had a throat problem, so he could not attend the press conference."

Evaluating the match, assistant Mai Xuan Hop said: "Viettel Club is a very strong team, with many national team players in the squad. They are a quality team, but Thanh Hoa Club has reasonable tactics and makes it difficult for the opponent.

With Thanh Hoa Club's playing style, we had 2 to 3 clear opportunities but could not take advantage of them due to the pressure of the match, as well as the skills of the players. They need to be calmer."

Talking about the candidates' chances of competing for the Golden Ball, Mr. Mai Xuan Hop highly appreciated Hoang Duc. "Hoang Duc is an excellent player of Vietnamese football, capable of winning the Golden Ball. Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa Club has nominated Lam Ti Phong, but compared to the remaining candidates, it is very difficult for him to compete", the assistant of Thanh Hoa Club shared.

Hoang Duc limped off the field.

Coach Thach Bao Khanh of Viettel Club expressed his opinion: "I am not happy with the result, but satisfied with the playing style and performance of the whole team. I think Viettel Club deserves 3 points, anyway I am satisfied with the fighting spirit and dedication of the players.

The refereeing was fine, nothing to criticize. As for Hoang Duc, he needs to be checked, hopefully the injury is not too serious, because he can still walk after the knee pain. I have experience with knee injuries, having to operate twice, if the ligament is torn, he will not be able to walk.

In this match, the two teams did not intend to play rough, the players only showed determination in the contested situations. Not only Viettel Club, but Thanh Hoa Club as well, I think the players of both teams just wanted to contribute to the audience, no one intended to destroy them."

Talking about the Golden Ball race, coach Thach Bao Khanh commented: "Personally, apart from the emotional issue, to be fair, Hoang Duc deserves to be in the top 3 because he performed well last season."

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/tro-ly-doi-thanh-hoa-che-trong-tai-hoang-duc-phai-kiem-tra-chan-thuong-185231027222910722.htm