Cong Phuong returns to V-League after 1,400 days: Dong Nai loses 0-2, penalty controversy and tactical puzzle

After nearly four years away, Cong Phuong officially returned to the V-League wearing Dong Nai's colors on the evening of September 4, 2026. But the comeback of the 2026-born striker did not have a happy ending: Dong Nai lost 0-2 to The Cong at home, and Cong Phuong was embroiled in a controversy with the referee after a penalty was overturned by VAR. The opening match of the 2026-2026 season saw Dong Nai – a newly promoted team after winning the First Division – struggle. They trailed 0-2 by halftime. In the 60th minute, Cong Phuong was introduced, carrying hopes of creating magic from set pieces. He was assigned corner kicks, free kicks, and penalties. One free kick led to a teammate's header that went wide. In the 75th minute, Dong Nai were awarded a penalty after a collision in the box. Cong Phuong placed the ball on the spot, but after consulting VAR, referee Đỗ Khánh Nam overturned the decision. Cong Phuong reacted furiously, and after the match he continued to question the referee, even skipping the handshake ritual. Assistant coach Lê Phước Tứ had to intervene. Head coach Nguyễn Việt Thắng refused to comment on the officiating in the press conference, but praised Cong Phuong's fighting spirit: 'I believe giving the captain's armband to Cong Phuong was not a wrong choice. I want him to maintain that fire to lead this team.' However, that very hot-headedness could lead to a disciplinary sanction from the VFF, weakening an attack already heavily reliant on him. From a tactical perspective, Dong Nai face a major puzzle. They are a newly promoted side with a squad lacking V-League experience. Placing all creative burden on Cong Phuong – now 31 years old and returning after 1,400 days away from top-level football – is a double-edged sword. In his 30 minutes on the pitch, he created no open-play chances, only one set-piece opportunity. This highlights the monotony of Dong Nai's attack, especially against a team that led early and defended compactly. A bright spot is the club's steadfast leadership. Chairman Phạm Hương Sơn previously refused a special promotion spot when Quảng Nam withdrew, choosing instead to earn promotion through sporting merit. That signals a long-term project, but the harsh reality of the V-League could derail those plans if results don't improve. Cong Phuong's post-match reaction – questioning the referee and skipping the handshake – raises questions about the captain's emotional control. If disciplined, Dong Nai will lose their key player in upcoming crucial matches. Coach Nguyễn Việt Thắng urgently needs to develop alternative attacking patterns, not solely relying on set pieces and Cong Phuong's improvisation. From a media perspective, the 'return of the hero' narrative was quickly overshadowed by the referee controversy. But looking at match data: Dong Nai lost 0-2, no goals, no assists, only one chance from a free kick. Cong Phuong could not change the outcome. This suggests fan expectations may be too high relative to reality. Dong Nai's puzzle is not just one defeat. It's about adapting to the V-League environment, building a system not dependent on one individual, and managing the emotions of a captain who is both the soul and a potential weakness. Before asking why they lost, ask what they prepared for. And the answer, after the first 90 minutes of the season, remains open.