>>> V.League Matchday 5 preview: Can Hoang Anh Gia Lai extend winning home run?
Cong Phuong was quiet for the first four matchdays of V.League 2020, but produced an exceptional display on Wednesday, scoring one to double the hosts’ advantage before assisting Vo Huy Toan to seal a 3-0 win for Chung Hae-seong’s side only five minutes later. The scoring was opened for HCM City in the first half thanks to a header by Korean midfielder Seo Yong-duk.
Inspired by a four-game unbeaten run, Viettel FC started the match confidently and created several chances to score in the first 15 minutes. However, it was the home side who made better use of their opportunities to go ahead, with Yeo sending a subtle header over goalkeeper Nguyen Manh into the far corner after 26 minutes.
The Viettel goalie saved the guests from conceding a second goal a few minutes later by brilliantly parrying Cong Phuong’s cunning free-kick from the left flank. Viettel then raised their offensive pressure, with Cantanhede managing to bury the ball in the back of the net in the 34th minute. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside foul.
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Cong Phuong celebrates scoring HCM City's second goal.
After the break, HCM City deployed their favourite counterattacking style, creating numerous difficulties for the away side. Two minutes after the hour mark, Cong Phuong doubled the hosts’ advantage by placing a low left-footed shot beyond the reach of keeper Nguyen Manh, with the ball hitting the post before going into the net.
Five minutes later, the 25-year-old forward chipped a delightful through ball to Huy Toan who burst into the box, dribbled past Nguyen Manh and slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 3-0 for Chung Hae-seong’s troops.
HCM City captain Do Van Thuan almost scored a fourth time in the last minute of play with a strike at the crossbar.
The convincing victory helped HCM City climb to second position in the provisional table with 10 points, only behind leaders Becamex Binh Duong on goal difference after the former champions came from behind for a narrow 2-1 away triumph over Quang Nam FC on the same day.
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Forward Nguyen Tien Linh contributes a goal to Becamex Binh Duong's 2-1 win against Quang Nam FC.
Quang Ninh Coal edged out Hai Phong FC 1-0 in an away match thanks to an own goal by Schmidt (72’).
Matchday 5 will continue today (June 18) with the remaining four matches, including Hoang Anh Gia Lai vs Saigon FC, Thanh Hoa FC vs Nam Dinh FC, Hong Linh Ha Tinh vs SHB Da Nang, and Hanoi FC vs Song Lam Nghe An.
