Viet Nam News
HA NOI — Nguyen Thanh Chung’s 81st minute goal sealed the final slot in the semi-finals of the Vietnam National Football Cup – White Lion 2018 for Ha Noi.
With the 2-2 draw in the first leg at home, HAGL had to score in the 2nd leg.
They were within touching distance of the semi-final as Van Toan opened the scoresheet right after the first half but couldn’t maintain it to the end.
With the first touch after coming off the bench, after a corner, Nguyen Thanh Chung scored in the 81st minute and put an end to HAGL’s efforts.
Moving on from ugly scenes in the first leg, both teams dedicated themselves to an enjoyable match with many chances created by both sides.
Despite missing coach Chu Dinh Nghiem and midfielder Pham Thanh Luong due to penalties from the first leg, Ha Noi FC still showed a dominant performance by creating dozens of chances in front of HAGL’s goal.
In the 9th minute, Hoang Vu Samson stunned HAGL’s supporters with a bicycle kick but it missed the target.
In the following minutes, U23 Quang Hai and Hoang Vu Samson had several chances but couldn’t put the ball into the net.
Goalkeeper Tang Tien was HAGL’s best player in the first half, with 5 amazing saves including a powerful shot from Ha Noi’s Le Van Dai from outside the box.
11 shots in just 24 minutes showed Ha Noi’s overwhelming force. But without accuracy, none of them were converted into goals for the capital side.
The first half ended goalless.
U23 Van Toan surprised Hang Day stadium by scoring a beautiful goal after just 1 minute of the 2nd half.
After receiving an assist from Riamrio, Van Toan skillfully passed Ha Noi’s defenders Dinh Trong and Duy Manh – two of Toan’s teammates in the U23 National Team and beat goalkeeper Phi Minh Long with a ground shot to the right corner.
After the opening goal, HAGL moved to more defensive tactics.
Ha Noi still created many chances but HAGL’s defense played well.
Ha Noi’s efforts finally paid off in the 81st minute as substitute Nguyen Thanh Chung scored a decisive goal with his back after a corner kick.
The match ended at 1-1.
With 3-3 draw on aggregate, Ha Noi FC won a place in the semi-final due to the away goals rule.
Also yesterday in another match, FLC Thanh Hoa won a ticket to the semi-final after a 1-1 draw with Binh Phuoc.
Vu Minh Tuan scored his first goal for Thanh Hoa in the 41st minute before Truong Van Tuan equalized the scoresheet with a solo goal 35 minutes later.
Despite playing at Binh Phuoc Stadium as their home turf, Binh Phuoc couldn’t do better than a draw and had to say goodbye to the cup.
With a 3-1 win on aggregate, FLC Thanh Hoa continue the journey to their first ever National Football Cup trophy.
Defending champions Song Lam Nghe An are still putting on a good performance after defeating SHB Da Nang in both legs to reach the semi-final.
Phan Van Duc’s stunning header after a cross from Pham Xuan Manh sealed the win for SLNA.
These two U23 National stars are playing an important role in coach Nguyen Duc Thang’s tactics.
SLNA are in the relegation zone in the V-League competition.
Facing 1-4 defeat on aggregate, SHB Da Nang coach Nguyen Minh Phuong are still struggling with difficulties this season.
Becamex Binh Duong overwhelmed Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN on the way to the semi-final.
With a 3-1 win in the away leg and 4-1 win on aggregate, former runner-up Binh Duong are performing well this season.
Despite the good performance in V-League, Sanna Khanh Hoa showed a feeble performance and couldn’t do anything to stop Binh Duong reaching the semi-final. — VNS