With Hai Long, Hoang Hen, Hanoi FC still suffer shocking 1-4 defeat, remain winless in V-League 2026-2027

At Hang Day Stadium on October 26, a shock few could believe unfolded. Hanoi FC, a club boasting a squad of national-team stars and foreign players with English Premier League experience, hosted SLNA with the mindset of securing a must-win after a disappointing opening match. The result: a 1-4 loss at home, still without a point after two rounds, and bottom of the V-League 2026-2027 standings. As early as the 35th minute, the home side's defense exposed a serious flaw. Bruno Paraiba rose highest to head home Bui Thanh Duc's cross, beating goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan. By the 53rd minute, matters worsened when Cyrus Christie – a former Premier League full-back – scored an own goal following Phan Ba Quyen's delivery from the flank. Both conceded goals came from aerial balls and crosses, laying bare a systemic weakness of the capital club. Worryingly, the attack was impotent. Hai Long and Hoang Hen, the two most anticipated names, failed to create any clear-cut chances. Meanwhile, SLNA with their youthful lineup played with confidence and sharpness. Nguyen Quang Vinh, a Vietnam U23 international, scored a brace in the 86th and 90th minutes through lightning-fast counter-attacks, dashing any hopes of a comeback. Head coach Harry Kewell made two substitutions at the start of the second half: pulling veteran center-back Nguyen Thanh Chung for young defender Nguyen Anh Tiep, while replacing foreign striker Andrew Jung with veteran Nguyen Van Quyet. The signals were somewhat contradictory – not a coherent attacking package, but reactive reshuffling. "Looking at how they defended, especially against set pieces and aerial duels, I clearly see the players' fitness and psychological state declining. They have no common voice, positions are chaotic, no one dares to take the ball and drive forward. In contrast, SLNA played very simply but with absolute effectiveness," football expert Tran Son commented. Pressure is mounting on the Australian coach. Domestic media are buzzing about the possibility of the board making an early decision to replace him if the team continues to go winless next round. The players have also faced heavy criticism following this ugly defeat. With home advantage but unable to capitalize, plus a goal difference of -5 after just two matches, Hanoi FC is experiencing the worst start in their V-League history. Is this a sign of a trophy-less season or just a stumble before rediscovering themselves? The answer may come sooner than fans think.