Herlison Caion (in white) was the hero for the hosts with two wonder strikes to seal Hà Nội's victory. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

Anh Đức

HÀ NỘI — Derogatory chants towards referees were once a notorious trait of Hải Phòng fans. But thanks to the appearance of VAR in the V-League, referees could now take a break from the abuse, especially in this perhaps controversial fixture.

But it was not just the new technology that kept the away stand at Hàng Đẫy silent, as the sinking 3-1 defeat to hosts Hà Nội meant that Hải Phòng lengthened their losing streak here to thirteen years.

The match was however, not one-sided, as Hải Phòng made it hard for the hosts in 89 minutes.

Hà Nội went ahead courtesy of Herlison Caion, before Nguyễn Hữu Sơn equalised with a penalty kick. Captain Nguyễn Văn Quyết brought back the lead just before half-time for The Capital Team, before Caion emphatically sealed Hà Nội's victory with the last kick of the ball.

Despite rigorous pre-match security scans, fireworks were still snuck in by Hải Phòng fans, and were lit up at kick-off.

Looking not to disappoint the fans, Chu Đình Nghiêm's Hải Phòng side went into the match confidently.

However, it was the hosts who got the early advantage. In the 20th minute, from Đỗ Duy Mạnh's pinpoint long ball, Herlison Caion jumped forward, hitting the ball with the top of his head from just outside the box. The ball bounced in a wicked curve that went over Hải Phòng's keeper Nguyễn Đình Triệu, and landed into the back of the net.

Hải Phòng chased for the equaliser, and had a golden chance when Martin Lo was brought down inside the penalty area. Referee Mai Xuân Hùng quickly pointed to the spot, before VAR intervened and made Hùng take a second look. After consultation, the penalty stands and Hữu Sơn equalised with a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

When it looked like the first half is going to end in a draw, Hà Nội got a late penalty, as Hữu Sơn went from hero to zero with a clumsy handball inside the box. Văn Quyết cleverly fooled Đình Triệu to reclaim the hosts' lead.

The second half started with the hosts on the front foot. They could have increased the lead earlier, had Tuấn Hải's goal not been disallowed due to offside.

Hà Nội fans did not have to wait long for their third however, and as the saying goes, a good thing did come for those who wait. In the 90th minute, from a long throw in the left wing, Herlison Caion controlled the ball with his chest gracefully, before delivering a stunning overhead kick that beat Đình Triệu and went into the net.

With this victory, Hà Nội FC sits atop of the 2023 V-League 1, with 32 points, one point ahead of Hà Nội Police FC, who snatched victory at the last minute in their match against Nam Định. Hải Phòng on the other hand, are placed sixth with 22 points. 

Fan injured by fireworks during match

After Hữu Sơn's successful penalty, the fans in the away stand in Hằng Đẫy set off fireworks. The security officials quickly intervened.

A firework was allegedly thrown at a police officer, which he avoided and stepped on to extinguish. However, the flares from the fireworks box accidentally injured a young fan in the stands.

After the child received first aid, he was quickly transported to Saint Paul Hospital nearby, where he was diagnosed with a one percent second-degree burn in his left thigh. VNS