Pre-match information
The defeat against Selangor in the recent matches caused Hanoi Police to stop early in the C1 Southeast Asian Cup, even though the group stage still has one match to go.
After 4 matches, the police team only won 4 points with 1 win, 1 draw and 2 defeats, thereby falling to 5th place in Group A. The point gap with the two leading teams Selangor and Pathum United is impossible to close, making the home team Hang Day stadium lose the opportunity to compete for a ticket to the next round.
The biggest problem of the Vietnamese representative lies in their scoring ability. After 4 matches, the team only has 3 goals, a very low efficiency if placed in the context that direct competitors all maintain an effective attack.
Having to share strength in many arenas also affects the performance of coach Polking's team. The force is not too thick, forcing them to rotate continuously, leading to exhaustion at key moments.
Although they no longer have a chance to advance, Hanoi Police still have a procedural match with Tampines Rovers in the C1 Southeast Asian Cup. Notably, in February, the two teams will meet up to three times, including both legs of the AFC Champions League Two knockout round.
Tampines Rovers is not an easy opponent to play against, having impressed in the continental arena with good head-to-head record against strong representatives of Asia.
Except for Van Hau suffering a minor injury, Hanoi Police are possessing a full force. However, in the context that the goal at the tournament has closed, coach Polking is likely to give opportunities to reserve players, while also keeping the strength for key players to prepare for key matches in the V.League and AFC Champions League Two.
