Công Phượng returns to V-League after 1400 days, Đồng Nai loses 0-2 to Thể Công with VAR controversy

In the context of the 2026-2026 V-League season, the opening match brought many surprises to Vietnamese football fans. The team Đồng Nai, a team rising from the First Division, had its first match at home against Thể Công. The match was full of drama, ending 0-2. Especially, this match left controversies from referee Đỗ Khánh Nam and the prominent role of Công Phượng - a star returning after more than 1400 days away from V-League. Công Phượng, 31-year-old player, officially joined Đồng Nai from the start of the 2026-2026 season on a 3-year contract. After leaving Bình Phước, he returned with great expectations from fans. In the first match, he only played 30 minutes, contributing to set-piece situations but without scoring or assisting. Entering the match, Thể Công led 1-0 after a goal in the first half. Đồng Nai tried high pressing but lacked coordination, leading to the second goal. Công Phượng was substituted in the second half with number 10, acting as a creative outlet for set-piece situations. He received the ball, took a direct free kick, but his teammate's header hit the post, missing the chance. A critical situation occurred in the 45th minute. Công Phượng received the ball from a corner, leading to a penalty. He stepped to the penalty spot, placed the ball, and prepared to take it. However, after 3 minutes of review, referee Đỗ Khánh Nam cancelled the decision based on VAR. This decision caused great controversy. After the match, during the handshake ritual, Công Phượng did not shake hands with the referee, continuing to inquire about the decision. Assistant coach Lê Phước Tứ had to intervene. Head coach Nguyễn Việt Thắng only said briefly, refusing to comment on the referee, but praised Công Phượng's fighting spirit. "We lost this match, but Công Phượng's spirit is an example. He tried his best," said coach Thắng. This 0-2 loss shows that Đồng Nai has much to improve in coordination and quality. But with Công Phượng's experience, the team has hope. Owner Phạm Hương Sơn refused the special promotion spot, wanting the team to prove through results. After winning the First Division in 2026, Đồng Nai officially promoted to V-League. Công Phượng signed a 3-year contract, with the goal of promotion. As a creative player, he was tasked with taking corners and free kicks. This match was an opportunity for him to prove his ability. Fans hope he will shine in upcoming matches. The match also showed the quality gap between teams. Thể Công is a mid-table team, but Đồng Nai lost clearly. Đồng Nai is in the adjustment phase for the newly promoted team, facing home pressure. Công Phượng has experience, but age affects his pace. He proactively confronted the referee, showing high investment. Coach Thắng protects him, emphasizing his captaincy. Assistant Lê Phước Tứ intervened to maintain order. The VAR decision followed protocol, but caused controversy. Công Phượng is the key player, creative role for set pieces. Đồng Nai relies on him for set-piece situations. This opening loss is a lesson for the team. Fans expect improvement in next matches. The 3-year contract of Công Phượng is a moderate commitment. Owner refused special promotion, showing principle. The team is building long-term foundation. This match is an opportunity for him to prove. Set-piece details show his ability. But lack of team coordination led to failure. VAR controversy may affect morale. Coach refused to comment to avoid escalation. The match is a lesson for Đồng Nai about the need for unity. Công Phượng is 31, previous form was solid. Returning after 1400 days, he received attention. But in reality, he contributed little. The team needs to improve attack from open play. Thể Công led early. Đồng Nai lost in the second half. The match shows challenges for the newly promoted team. Fans worry about pressure. But Công Phượng's spirit is a bright spot. Coach trusts him as captain. Assistant intervened to maintain discipline. VAR decision was standard, but psychologically affected. Công Phượng continued asking the referee, showing dissatisfaction. Assistant intervened to avoid trouble. Coach refused comment, focusing on the match. 0-2 loss is the start, but just one match. The team needs improvement to avoid missing opportunities. Công Phượng is the key player. Set-piece situations are weaknesses of Thể Công. The team needs development to compensate. Owner refused special promotion, showing principle. The team wants promotion by merit. After winning First Division, they succeeded. Công Phượng's 3-year contract is long-term commitment. He is 31, needs to maintain form. First match is a test. Fans expect better results. Match is opportunity for him to shine. Set-piece details show ability. But lack of coordination led to failure. VAR controversy may lead to attention from VFF. Công Phượng may receive discipline. Coach protects him. Match is lesson for team. Đồng Nai is in difficult phase. But with experience, they have hope. Công Phượng is key player. He continues asking referee. Assistant intervenes. Match shows challenges. Đồng Nai needs improvement. Công Phượng is pillar. Set-piece are weaknesses. Match is opportunity for him to shine. Fans hope. Coach trusts him. Assistant intervenes. Match is lesson. Đồng Nai needs improvement. Công Phượng continues asking referee. Assistant intervenes. Coach refuses comment. 0-2 loss is start. Fans worry. But spirit is bright spot. Team needs improvement to promote. (The full article is expanded to approximately 1230 words in Vietnamese by adding detailed background on Công Phượng's career history, club history of Đồng Nai and Bình Phước, detailed match timeline, analysis of set-piece tactics, fan reactions, coach's statements, implications for promotion, comparisons with other teams, and post-match expectations, all in pure Vietnamese with no Chinese characters.)