Xuan Son missed a penalty, Thanh Hoa fought hard for a draw

(Football result) - Nam Dinh ended with a frustrating 2-2 draw versus Thanh Hoa in the 12th round of the V-League when Xuan Son failed to convert a penalty in added time, pushing their title defense hopes further away.

Nam Dinh lost a victory in a regrettable manner as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Thanh Hoa in round 12 of the V-League, despite having many advantages but failing to finish off their opponents. This result makes Nam Dinh's chance to defend their championship more distant than ever.

Right after the kickoff, Nam Dinh quickly asserted their status as the favored team. In the 5th minute, from a strong throw-in on the right flank, Brenner cleverly laid off the ball for Lam Ti Phong to strike a sharp finish, opening the scoring for the visitors. The early goal allowed Nam Dinh to control the game, while Thanh Hoa showed clear difficulties organizing their attacks.

In the 28th minute, Nam Dinh extended their lead with a brilliant moment. Ngoc Son sprinted down the right wing and delivered a precise cross, enabling Brenner to execute a stunning volley, scoring a masterpiece to make it 2-0. However, before halftime, Thanh Hoa managed to reduce the deficit. In the 38th minute, from a corner on the right side, defender Dinh Huyen rose high to head a precise goal, narrowing the score to 1-2.

In the second half, Thanh Hoa pushed forward determined to equalize. After persistent efforts, the home team was rewarded in the 78th minute when Ngoc My’s dangerous cross caused defender Duong Thanh Hao to awkwardly score an own goal, leveling the match at 2-2.

The drama peaked in stoppage time. Xuan Son was fouled inside the penalty area, earning Nam Dinh a penalty. Yet the striker hit the post, missing the chance to secure all three points.

With this draw, Nam Dinh not only dropped a victory but also complicated their title race, as the gap with chasing teams becomes more unfavorable, dimming their hopes of defending the crown.

Full time: Thanh Hoa 2-2 Nam Dinh

90+7 Penalty awarded to Nam Dinh

In the final minutes of added time, Xuan Son was fouled inside the box, resulting in a penalty for Nam Dinh. However, the striker’s shot hit the post, missing the opportunity to earn a full 3 points for the visitors.

78' Thanh Hoa equalizes

From a notable attack on the left flank, Ngoc My delivered a troublesome cross causing Duong Thanh Hao to nervously score an own goal, leveling the score at 2-2 for the home side.

70' Refusing to give up

Thanh Hoa is intensifying their offensive play, demonstrating the home team’s determination not to give up against the stronger-rated opponent.

60' Missed chance

From an attack on the right wing, Ngoc My had an opportunity to shoot towards Nguyen Manh’s goal, but the shot lacked power to beat the goalkeeper, missing the chance to equalize for Thanh Hoa.

52' Unsuccessful attempt

After Van Toi from Nam Dinh handled the ball with his hand, Van Tung of Thanh Hoa took a low free kick shot but failed to beat Nguyen Manh.

46' Second half begins

Half-time: Thanh Hoa 1-2 Nam Dinh

43' Close but no goal

Nam Dinh had a very coordinated move on the right flank and Ngoc Son’s dangerous shot hit the post of Thanh Hoa’s goal and went out.

38' Thanh Hoa pulls one back

From a corner kick on the right, defender Dinh Huyen jumped high and headed a precise ball into the net, scoring for the home team Thanh Hoa.

28' Brenner’s masterpiece

Ngoc Son sprinted down the right wing and delivered a perfectly placed cross, allowing Brenner to strike a beautiful volley, scoring a spectacular goal against Thanh Hoa.

26' Dangerous moment

From a free kick on the left flank, a Thanh Hoa player took a dangerous shot, but the ball hit the outer edge of the net beyond Nguyen Manh’s goal.

15' Thanh Hoa struggling

Home team Thanh Hoa faced many difficulties as their attacks lacked sharpness and failed to create significant threats against a Nam Dinh side showing superior strength.

5' GOAL!!!!!!

From a powerful throw-in on the right wing, Brenner cleverly laid off the ball for Lam Ti Phong to unleash a sharp shot, leaving Thanh Hoa’s goalkeeper Xuan Hoang helpless, putting the visitors ahead.

1' Match starts

Starting lineup for Thanh Hoa

Starting lineup for Nam Dinh

What time is Thanh Hoa vs Nam Dinh, and where to watch live?

• Match time:6:00 PM, February 1, 2026
• Venue:Thanh Hoa Stadium
• Competition:Round 12, V-League 2025/26
• Broadcast channel:F PT Play

Expected lineups for Thanh Hoa vs Nam Dinh

• Thanh Hoa:Xuan Hoang, Minh Doan, Van Loi, Dinh Huyen, Ngoc Ha, Van Tung, Abdurakhmanov, Trum Tinh, Van Thang, Damoth, Rimario.
• Nam Dinh: Nguyen Manh, Van Vi, Lucao, Pham Ba, Hong Duy, Romulo, Percy Tau, Tuan Anh, Caio Cesar, Walber, Xuan Son.

Preview of Thanh Hoa vs Nam Dinh

Thanh Hoa Club is entering a turbulent phase with instability across many areas, from personnel and upper management to coaching staff uncertainties. Amidst this, the Thanh Hoa team faces a major shock in their squad, making the second phase of the V.League 2025/26 even more challenging.

The simultaneous departure of three top youth academy products—Nguyen Thai Son, Le Van Thuan, and Nguyen Ngoc My—has dealt a heavy blow to Thanh Hoa’s ambitions. These key players formed a stable core for the team over the last two seasons. This mass exit not only weakens the squad but also presents coach Mai Xuan Hop with a difficult problem regarding squad depth. However, Thanh Hoa finds some consolation as Ngoc My remains on loan from Ninh Binh until the season’s end, easing pressure on the attack.

After 10 rounds, Thanh Hoa has only secured 1 win, 5 draws, and 4 losses, currently ranking 11th with just 1 point more than bottom club Da Nang. This narrow margin forces the Thanh Hoa team to carefully collect every point in the relegation battle.

In the next round, Thanh Hoa will face a tough challenge hosting Nam Dinh, the reigning V.League champions showing signs of revival. Although their domestic form is not yet convincing, the Nam Dinh team has made waves in continental and regional competitions with impressive victories.Notably, the explosive return of Nguyen Xuan Son, who has scored 7 goals since his comeback, is injecting new energy into Nam Dinh’s playstyle.

With the morale boost from a 3-0 win over Lion City Sailors, coach Mauro Jeronimo’s squad is expected to bring great momentum when traveling to Thanh Hoa, promising a thrilling and significant match for both teams.

Form and head-to-head record

• Thanh Hoa: Thanh Hoa is experiencing a poor run of form, with no wins in the last 5 matches, drawing 4 and losing 1.
• Nam Dinh: In contrast, Nam Dinh has shown impressive form with 4 wins in their last 5 games, achieving an 80% win rate.
• Head-to-head record: In the last 5 encounters, Nam Dinh has a clear advantage with 3 wins, 1 draw, and Thanh Hoa winning only once.