QUẢNG NAM — Quảng Nam beat Thể Công Viettel 3-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to reach the semi-finals of the National U21 Championships on Thursday.

Quảng Nam took an early lead when Đức Trường scored the opening goal following a mistake by Huy Hoàng. However, Thể Công Viettel equalised at one all from a header from Đăng Dương in the 38th minute.

A highly focused Quảng Nam team made it difficult for their opponents in the second half and after 90 tense minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout. Thành Đạt and Hữu Tuấn missed their kicks, allowing Quảng Nam to win 3-4 on penalties.

Meanwhile, Thanh Hóa also cruised to a 10-1 victory over Đồng Tháp to advance to the semi-finals.

Elsewhere, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai and PVF also qualified for the semi-finals after beating Hà Nội 8-7 and Đà Nẵng 2-0, respectively.

The semi-final matches will take place on Saturday, while the final will be held next Monday. VNS