Former Vietnam national team coach Toshiya Miura suffered a defeat in the V-League 1 opening game with his new team Ho Chi Minh City FC.
Ho Chi Minh City FC kicked off their 2018 V-League 1 campaign with a 1-0 loss to the home team FLC Thanh Hoa on Sunday.
Despite playing the “muscular” playing style with powerful strikers Hai Anh and Gustavo, Ho Chi Minh City struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
In the 31st minute, Vu Minh Tuan was on the verge of breaking the deadlock for FLC Thanh Hoa, however, his finish was ruled out since the midfielder was adjudged to have been offside.
Following a goalless first half at Thanh Hoa Stadium, the hosts finally broke the deadlock on the 70th minute courtesy of substitute Hoang Dinh Tung.
After a goal kick by goalie Bui Tien Dung, Dinh Tung lifted a shot over rushing Ho Chi Minh City goalkeeper Nguyen Thanh Diep and snatched a goal for FLC Thanh Hoa.
This victory moves FLC Thanh Hoa to the fourth position of V-League 1 table, with one game in hand.
On the other hand, coach Miura still has lots of things to do if he wants to lead the ambitious Ho Chi Minh City to reach the top level of V-League 1. Last season, the club was stumbling to their third-from-bottom finish in the 14-team league.
