Tiến Linh 'Craves' a Goal

Having failed to find the net in his last 10 outings, Tiến Linh's dip in performance worries many, as it may affect Ho Chi Minh City Police FC and the Vietnam team before their decisive match versus Malaysia in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on March 31.

His most recent official goalfor Tiến Linhwith the Vietnam national team was scored against Nepal in a 3-1 victory last October.

In this V-League season,the 2024 Vietnam Golden Ball winnerhas only 3 goals, with his last strike dating back to September in a win over SLNA.

For a striker once considered the primary hope of Vietnam's attack, these numbers clearly fall short of expectations.

The 0-1 loss to Becamex TP.HCM on March 1 at Thống Nhất Stadium further highlighted Tiến Linh's lack of sharpness. The forward was unable to outplay his former teammate Minh Toàn. When the main striker fails to score, the team's attacking efforts become futile.

Coach Lê Huỳnh Đứcexpressed his disappointment, admitting: "Creating many attacks but failing to score will cost you." Ho Chi Minh City Police FC had ample opportunities, with at least three dangerous chances each half.

Khoa Ngô had a chance to tap into an empty net but hit the post following Tiến Linh's effort early in the second half. Ho Chi Minh City Police FC paid the price with Việt Cường's successful 69th-minute penalty after a handball by defender Khổng Minh Gia Bảo.

Two consecutive losses to Thanh Hóa and Becamex TP.HCM, teams in the bottom group, have caused Ho Chi Minh City Police FC to fall behind in the Top 3 race and now must watch their backs.

With 20 points, Tiến Linh and his teammates are only 5 points ahead of Nam Định and could easily be dragged into the relegation battle if their form doesn't improve. In the upcoming round 15, the away trip to Pleiku to face HAGL promises more risk than reward. Coach Huỳnh Đức's side has scored only 2 goals in their last 2 matches and appears stagnant in the final third.

Tiến Linh currently enjoys Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức's absolute trust. Ho Chi Minh City Police FC is one of the few V-League teams entrusting the main striker role to a domestic forward. But this trust also brings pressure.

When goals don't come, frustration is evident in his every move. The 1997-born forward shows signs of fatigue, lacking sharpness and the usual fluidity. For a striker, confidence is as crucial as skill. Once that belief wavers, even the best chances can slip away. Recently, Tiến Linh has often mentioned injuries significantly affecting his on-field feel.

More concerning is the ripple effect on the Vietnam national team. Coach Kim Sang Sik is certainly closely monitoring his forwards' form ahead of the upcoming training camp. The match against Malaysia is decisive. Vietnam needs goals and a striker who can make a difference. If Tiến Linh doesn't rediscover his scoring touch soon, his position could be in question.

Nevertheless, it's undeniable that Tiến Linh remains an experienced forward who has scored many important goals for Vietnam. This "goal drought" might be a necessary challenge for self-reflection. Football is inherently harsh, yet it always offers chances to those who rise again.

Perhaps just one goal is all Tiến Linh needs to break the mental barrier. The problem is time is running out. Ho Chi Minh City Police FC needs him to escape this disappointing streak.

The Vietnam national team needs him for the crucial battle at month's end. And the fans also long to see the image of a composed, clinical Tiến Linh in front of goal, rather than a forward struggling within his own drought.