Viet Nam News
Football
HA NOI — Defending champions Ha Noi defeated HCM City 8-1 in the opening match of Group A in the final round of the National U19 Football Tournament.
The match was held at Tu Do Stadium in Hue City on Tuesday.
Ha Noi proved their power with a goal by Nguyen Huu Tuan in the third minute.
Five minutes later, the capital team doubled their score, thanks to Le Van Xuan. Xuan scored his goal following a confused situation ahead of the box of HCM City.
Before the end of the first half, Xuan completed his hat-trick with two more goals in the 21st and 40th minute to help his team take a 4-0 lead.
After the break, Ha Noi continued to dominate the game and there was no improvement in the performance of HCM City.
In the 53rd minute, Nguyen Van Minh scored the fifth goal for Ha Noi. A little more than 10 minutes later, Xuan scored his fourth goal in the match.
In the 87th minute, the score was 8-0 in favour of Ha Noi. HCM City’s efforts to narrow the gap were repaid by a goal from Nguyen Huu Thuong in the extra time of the second half.
In another match, hosts Thua Thien Hue lost to Dong Thap 0-2.
Ha Noi will face Dong Thap on Thursday, while HCM City will play against Thua Thien Hue.
Seven teams are competing in the final round alongside Thua Thien Hue. The tournament will conclude on March 15.
After this tournament, the best players will be selected for the Viet Nam U19 team to compete in the International U19 Football Tournament, which will be held in Pleiku City in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai from March 21-31. — VNS