Viet Nam News
HA NOI — Dong Thap won the National U19 Football Tournament after beating defending champions Ha Noi 3-2 in a penalty shootout at Tu Do Stadium in Hue City yesterday.
Tran Cong Minh scored the winning spot-kick for Dong Thap, holding his nerve to beat goalkeeper Duong Tung Lam of Ha Noi.
The match finished scoreless in normal time.
The capital team dominated from the opening whistle. In the 15th minute, Le Van Nam broke Dong Thap’s offside trap but couldn’t beat the Dong Thap goalkeeper Le Nhut Huy to open the scoring.
Dong Thap then fought back strongly to create several openings but they failed to capitalise.
Taking full advantage of a Ha Noi defensive error, Cong Minh headed for goal, however Lam was equal to the test.
After the break, the two sides changed their players and tactics to seek a goal.
In the 80th minute, midfielder Dang Van Toi nearly netted for Ha Noi as he coolly put his header past the goalie Le Nhut Huy but the ball hit the crossbar.
Toi is considered one of best players of this year’s tournament.
With only three minutes left, Ha Noi were reduced to 10 men as midfielder Nguyen Hong Son was sent off for two bookable offences..
Both sides made every effort to break the deadlock in two minutes of extra time but no goals were scored.
To reach the final, Dong Thap defeated Viettel 2-0 in the semi-finals, while Ha Noi bested Song Lam Nghe An 4-2 in a penalty shootout after drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes.
The event saw the participation of seven teams who passed the qualifying round and the hosts Thua Thien Hue.
After this tournament, the best players will be selected for the Viet Nam U19 team to compete in the International U19 Football Tournament held in Pleiku City in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on March 21-31. — VNS