Lucao scores, Viettel defeats Hai Phong

(Football result) - Viettel defeated Hai Phong 1-0 at Hang Day Stadium thanks to Lucao's header, thereby extending their impressive streak in V.League.

Right after the kick-off whistle, Hai Phong was the more proactive team. The Port team repeatedly created notable finishing attempts, with Fletcher twice trying his luck towards goalkeeper Van Viet's goal. In the 32nd minute, Tagueu had a very clear opportunity when breaking down the left flank, bypassing Viettel's goalkeeper, but the final shot missed the empty goal.

After initially enduring pressure, Viettel gradually regained control and started possessing the ball more. In the 36th minute, Colonna delivered a favorable cross for Hoang Minh to unleash an impromptu volley, but the ball narrowly missed the post. Just before the first half ended, the home team almost opened the score when a powerful header sent the ball hitting the crossbar despite goalkeeper Dinh Trieu's helplessness.

Entering the second half, the match became tighter as both teams played cautiously. Hai Phong still had notable opportunities, especially Dam Tien Dung's tricky lofted ball forcing Van Viet to make an excellent diving save.

The turning point of the match came in the 60th minute. From Phan Tuan Tai's accurate cross from the left flank, Lucao rushed in for a powerful header past Dinh Trieu, opening the score for Viettel.

After conceding, Hai Phong pushed their formation higher seeking an equalizer. However, the visitors' attacks lacked sharpness against the home team's solid defense. Despite holding more ball possession in the final minutes, Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's team couldn't create any truly dangerous opportunities. Ultimately, Viettel secured a 1-0 victory over Hai Phong, thereby continuing their impressive streak in V.League.

90' + 4 The match ends, Viettel defeats Hai Phong 1-0

89' Deadlock

Hai Phong holds possession but fails to create any notable plays because Viettel's defense is too solid.

79' Too tame

Hai Phong's Fletcher unleashes a decisive shot from outside the 16.5m area but the ball goes straight into the spot where goalkeeper Van Viet was waiting.

70' Seeking an equalizer

Hai Phong is pushing their formation higher to search for a tying goal. However, the Port team's combinations haven't produced any significant impact.

60' Goooooal

Phan Tuan Tai crosses perfectly for Lucao to rush in and powerfully head past Dinh Trieu, opening the score for Viettel.

55' Pace slows

The match is proceeding quite slowly with most ball situations occurring in the midfield area.

46' Not in

Dam Tien Dung delivers a tricky lofted ball into Viettel's penalty area, the ball flies towards the top corner but goalkeeper Van Viet performed brilliantly to block it.

46' Second half begins

45' + 3 First half ends, Viettel 0-0 Hai Phong

45} Too regrettable

The ball hits Hai Phong's crossbar after a very strong header by a Viettel player, Dinh Trieu stood rooted in this situation.

36' Dangerous

Colonna crosses perfectly and Hoang Minh unleashed an impromptu volley. Unfortunately, the ball narrowly missed Hai Phong's goal.

32' Not in

Tagueu breaks down the completely open left flank, he bypasses goalkeeper Van Viet but regrettably the final shot didn't enter Viettel's empty goal.

26' Regrettable miss

A chaotic situation in Viettel's penalty area but in a slightly rushed moment, Tien Dung's finishing attempt missed the goal.

25' Regaining control

Viettel starts controlling the match with most time possessing the ball on the field, but still hasn't created any significant opportunities.

15' Not successful

A sharp attacking situation by Viettel on the right flank, but Hoang Minh's cross was neutralized by Dinh Trieu.

5' Open play

Hai Phong starts the match impressively with two finishing attempts by Fletcher towards Viettel's goal.

1' Match begins

Starting lineup of Viettel:

Starting lineup of Hai Phong:

What time is Viettel vs Hai Phong, where to watch live?

• Time: 19:15 on March 15
• Location: Hang Day Stadium
• Competition: Round 16 V-League 2025/2026
• Live on: F PT Play

Notable information before Viettel vs Hai Phong match:

After a shaky period, Viettel is returning strongly and emerging as a formidable contender in this season's V.League championship race. Before facing Hai Phong at Hang Day Stadium, Coach Velizar Popov's squad is expected to continue maintaining impressive form to solidify their position on the standings.

The shock of a heavy defeat against SLNA at home seems to have become a turning point helping Viettel awaken. The last three rounds witnessed the army team's sublime performances as they successively defeated troublesome opponents like Nam Dinh, Hanoi, and Becamex TP.HCM. Notably, two minimal 1-0 victories against Nam Dinh and Hanoi show Viettel's composure and solidity in highly tactical matches.

Not only securing all 9 points, Viettel also demonstrates balance between attack and defense. In three consecutive wins, this team conceded only once, while the attack still knows how to utilize opportunities to bring decisive goals. That stability helps Coach Popov's team gradually consolidate its position in the top-contending group.

Contrary to Viettel's rising momentum, Hai Phong is experiencing a disappointing streak. Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's team has not tasted victory in V.League for four consecutive rounds, even when facing not-so-strong opponents like SLNA or Thanh Hoa. The defense continuously leaking goals also makes the Lach Tray Stadium host face many difficulties in regaining stability.

Although the attack hasn't truly exploded with 24 goals after 15 matches, Viettel still possesses an important pillar in striker Lucao. The Brazilian forward has scored 8 goals this season and is expected to continue playing the dangerous spearhead role, especially when facing his former team Hai Phong. If maintaining solidity in defense and utilizing opportunities well, Viettel can absolutely aim for another victory to extend their impressive streak.

Expected lineup Viettel vs Hai Phong

• Viettel:Van Viet, Tien Dung, Viet Tu, Tuan Tai, Hoang Minh, Nhat Nam, Paulo Martins, Van Khang, Lucao, Huu Thang, Pedro.
• Hai Phong:Dinh Trieu, Trung Hieu, Tien Dung, Nhat Minh, The Tai, Manh Dung, Luiz Antonio, Ronaldo, Huu Son, Joel Tagueu, Hoang Nam.