VietNamNet Bridge – Dong Thap won the National U19 Football Tournament after beating defending champions Hanoi 3-2 in a penalty shootout at Tu Do Stadium in Hue City yesterday.

A player of Hanoi (right) vies for the ball with Dong Thap player in the final match National U19 Football Tournament at Tu Do Stadium in Hue City yesterday. — Photo bongda.com.vn

Tran Cong Minh scored the winning spot-kick for Dong Thap, holding his nerve to beat goalkeeper Duong Tung Lam of Hanoi.

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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi as he coolly put his header past the goalie Le Nhut Huy but the ball hit the crossbar.

Tới is considered one of best players of this year’s tournament.

With only three minutes left, Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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 Vietnam 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. 

Source: VNS