V.League 1-2021 Matchweek 4

Bruno Cantanhede claims a brace as Hanoi FC taste second win

Bruno Cantanhede scored two goals in Hanoi FC’s 3-2 V.League 1 victory over Thanh Hoa FC on March 18, which helped Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side to extend their unbeaten home run against the opponents to 11 matches (nine wins and two draws).

Hanoi FC players celebrate scoring a goal during their match with Thanh Hoa FC on March 18. (Photo: VPF)
Hanoi FC players celebrate scoring a goal during their match with Thanh Hoa FC on March 18. (Photo: VPF)

Ngan Van Dai and Bruno gifted Hanoi FC a two-goal lead after only six minutes before Hoang Vu Samson narrowed the gap to 1-2 going into half-time. It was Bruno who widened the hosts’ advantage three minutes after the hour mark, thus Dinh Tung’s stoppage-time gasp was insufficient for Thanh Hoa to turn the game around.

With their second consecutive victory, Hanoi FC have moved to seventh place on six points, three points off leaders SHB Da Nang who still have one game in hand.

Under strong support from home fans, Chu Dinh Nghiem’s troops got off to an incredibly fantastic start by taking a shock lead within six minutes from the opening whistle thanks to two unstoppable close-range strikes by Van Dai (4’) and Bruno (6’).

The following minutes saw Thanh Hoa’s concerted efforts to reduce the score; however, Hanoi keeper Bui Tan Truong played with high concentration denying a freekick by Ze Paulo (30’) and another close-ranger header five minutes later.

(Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

Shortly afterwards, Hoang Vu Samson managed to pull back a goal for Ljupko Petrovic’s troops, giving the guests a much-needed boost going into half-time.

Hanoi FC proactively slowed down their pace after the break, while impatience forced Thanh Hoa players to lose accuracy in their final touches. In the 63rd minute, Van Kien delivered an accurate long pass to Bruno bursting down in the left flank, and the Brazilian striker simply headed home to complete his double.

Dinh Tung ignited Thanh Hoa’s hope for points with a 90th-minute goal, but there was not enough time remaining for the visitors to produce any resurgence.

The defeat at Hang Day Stadium kept Ljupko Petrovic’s side at eighth with four points, two off their rivals.

Song Lam Nghe An (in yellow) beat Quang Ninh Coal to grab their first win in V.Leauge 1-2021.

In another match on the same day, Song Lam Nghe An edged out Quang Ninh Coal 1-0 thanks to first-half goal by Bruno Henrique, thus climbing to 11th position in the table with four points.

Matchweek 4 will continue today with three clashes: Topenland Binh Dinh vs SHB Da Nang, Nam Dinh FC vs Viettel FC, and Ho Chi Minh City FC vs Saigon FC.