LookAtVietnam – HCM City are the second team relegated to the First Division after their loss of 2-3 to Becamex Binh Duong on August 23 on home ground.

HCM City are the second team relegated to the First Division after their loss of 2-3 to Becamex Binh Duong (Red) on August 23 on home ground. (Photo: VNN)

Although Binh Duong made some mistakes, giving HCM City several chances to score more goals, HCM City failed to bring these opportunities into play.

Philani scored twice for Binh Duong while Helio, HCM City’s former player, made it three from a penalty. HCM City grabbed their last goals in the V-League in the 52nd and 65th minutes of the match, due to Binh Duong defender faults.

It was their 13th loss this season, and they must do it again in the First Division next season, following Thanh Hoa, who were relegated right after the 24th round two weeks ago.

Thanh Hoa lost all motivation to play yesterday. They suffered a humiliating 3-7 loss to former champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai on their home turf.

Military Zone 4 must have been smiling as they avoided danger in the last minutes with a 3-2 win over Khatoco Khanh Hoa.

Their 10th victory this season helped them receive 33 points, enough to stay with the V-League for another year.

Anh Thang opened the score for the army team just 13 minutes after the whistle. Thang volleyed strongly to the 5.5m box after receiving the ball from his teammate. The ball touched Khanh Hoa’s foot to enter the net.

Quang Huong made a powerful header in the 24th minute to double the result for the soldiers, who were full of determination to win.

But things changed in the second half when national member Tan Tai was put into the field and narrowed the score to 1-2 for host Khanh Hoa two minutes later.

Worries were raised for Military when Quang Hai levelled it 2-2 from a close tap.

But Moses saved the day with a straight shot that entered the net with nary a sound from the hosts.

At the same time, Nam Dinh struggled to avoid the playoff match, but failed after a 1-2 bout with Dong Thap.

They must work very hard to prepare for the match again Can Tho on Sunday if they don’t want to drop to the lower division.

In the other matches, Song Lam Nghe An lost their second position even though they defeated Dong Tam Long An 3-1. Binh Duong easily replaced them, as they had a better win-loss difference, and pocketed a VND350 million ($19,500) bonus.

Da Nang, who won the championship title, were yesterday defeated 4-3 by The Cong at Chi Lang Stadium.

In Ha Noi, T&T Ha Noi, who saw their best striker Le Cong Vinh leave to play for Portugal, tied 0-0 with Hai Phong Cement.

The V-League next season will welcome Ninh Binh and Hoa Phat Ha Noi, who took the two top places of the First Division in 2008.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News