HAGL, the youngest '2K version' of V-League, shocks with spectacular transformation

While pessimists were worried about the worst scenario, HAGL, the youngest team in V-League, suddenly caused a shock when they forced Hanoi FC to accept a draw at Hang Day Stadium.

Trung Kien in a successful save in the match against Hanoi Club - photo: Minh Tu

Two faces of HAGL

In the opening match of the new season, HAGL was very confident at home, with high spirits welcoming Becamex TP.HCM without Tien Linh. But with heavy rain at Pleiku Arena, HAGL was broken in a fierce water battle.

A reflexive pull by Du Hoc was taken full advantage of by his mischievous senior Tuan Tai to bring home a penalty for the away team (Minh Trong successfully took advantage of it), causing HAGL to end the first half in a losing position.

The tension and impatience that followed not only prevented HAGL from scoring an equalizer, but they were also punished by two exemplary counterattacks from their opponents, leaving the field empty-handed with a 0-3 loss and a series of questions from fans.

Highlight Hanoi 0-0 HAGL: Unexpected draw

Phan Du Hoc strongly overcame the pressure of the previous match's mistake to play confidently at Hang Day - photo: Minh Tu

Pessimistic fans began to imagine a stormy season awaiting coach Le Quang Trai and his team, as the mountain town team bid farewell to its last bright stars such as captain Minh Vuong, Ngoc Quang, Quang Nho, Bao Toan...

But surprisingly, in the most difficult situation, having to play away at Hang Day Stadium of Hanoi FC, which was previously considered a dangerous place, HAGL unexpectedly rose up. Mr. Quang Trai's young team showed a great step of maturity.

Despite receiving 21 shots from Hanoi FC and controlling the ball only half (32.9% compared to 67.1%), HAGL did the most important thing: not conceding a goal, forcing their much higher rated opponent to accept a draw.

A point of maturity

Quang Kiet controlled the penalty area very well - photo: Minh Tu

At Hang Day Stadium, Coach Le Quang Trai still fielded a starting lineup with players born in 2000 or later, the youngest of whom was central defender Dinh Quang Kiet (born in 2007, only 18 years old), followed by Phuoc Bao (2004), Trung Kien, Hoang Minh (2003)...

Trung Kien, the only name "eating rice" of the Vietnamese team, showed his role at the right time, becoming the best player of the match with 11 saves, moreover, he was very excellent in discouraging Van Quyet, Tuan Hai, Hai Long...

Right above, Quang Kiet with a height of 1.92 m has literally become a wall, helping to neutralize the ball being poured in as well as sticking and blocking calmly.

An excellent save by Trung Kien - photo: Minh Tu

Overall, the entire team including substitute players Trung Thang (2005), Van Trieu (2003), Duy Tam (2002)... have all shown clear maturity.

It seems that coach Le Quang Trai has successfully helped HAGL face defeat, draw important lessons to come up with effective defensive plans for the match predicted to be "less safe, more dangerous" at Hang Day Stadium.

The obvious transformation of HAGL, under terrible pressure, can be considered a recognition of the psychological and tactical preparation as well as the "know yourself, know your opponent" approach of the mountain town team's coaching staff.

One point against Hanoi FC will help HAGL become more stable and stronger - photo: Minh Tu

The important thing is that HAGL has sown the seeds of belief that without the stars who have left, the young men (the starting lineup is 24.4 years old, the average age of the whole team is 23.8 years old, the youngest in V-League!) can still completely compete in the harsh V-League.

The good news is that midfielder Marciel was able to come off the bench in the 0-0 draw with Hanoi FC, opening up the possibility that he could start from the start in the next away match at Thong Nhat Stadium against Ho Chi Minh City Police FC (7:15 p.m. on August 28).

With the confidence built up after 1 point from the affirmations at Hang Day Stadium, coach Le Quang Trai and his team will be more determined, try to be more alert and brave to at least have 1 more point under their belt.

If achieved, the above goal will be an important foundation for HAGL to make important adjustments during the precious FIFA Days break, before returning to V-League in round 4 on September 21, hosting Hanoi Police Club at home ground Pleiku Arena.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hagl-phien-ban-2k-tre-nhat-v-league-gay-soc-voi-su-lot-xac-ngoan-muc-185250824174438504.htm