Goalkeeper excels, U19 SLNA defeats U19 Thanh Hoa to enter semi-finals

On the afternoon of April 2, U19 SLNA and U19 Thanh Hoa entered the quarter-final match to compete for a ticket to the semi-finals of the 2022 National U19 Finals. Photo: Hai Hoang

The match between U19 SLNA and U19 Thanh Hoa is a fateful match. Because 3 years ago, the Nghe An team defeated the neighboring club twice to climb to the top position of the tournament. Therefore, in this match, Thanh Hoa is very determined to overcome U19 SLNA to regain the lost honor.

Before this match, U19 SLNA added U23 player who just returned from Dubai Cup, striker Dinh Xuan Tien, and had prominent names such as U23 Southeast Asian champion Ho Van Cuong, so they were considered to be better than U19 Thanh Hoa. Photo: Hai Hoang

However, Thanh Hoa players (in yellow shirts) chose a fiery and highly determined playing style, causing many difficulties for the white shirt team. Photo: Hai Hoang

Today, Mr. Dinh Van Dung's team has added midfielder Dinh Xuan Tien - this is one of two players from SLNA called up to join the U23 Vietnam team. With this quality addition, the Nghe An team will be stronger in attack. In addition, SLNA also has the return of Nguyen Van Bach and Phan Xuan Dai - two players who have just recovered from injury and Covid-19.

With quality names in the attack, SLNA quickly took control of the game after the opening whistle. Dinh Xuan Tien showed that he was the explosive force of the Nghe An team when the player from Nam Dan continuously threatened Thanh Hoa's goal. However, the Thanh Hoa team also played quite tightly and often pressed, causing difficulties for SLNA's strikers.

The two teams struggled with each other in terms of the game. The Thanh team, with their team strength, pressed all over the field, causing SLNA to be somewhat stuck. Photo: Hai Hoang

The first half ended with a score of 0-0. Entering the second half, both coaches Le Hong Minh (U19 Thanh Hoa) and Dinh Van Dung (U19 SLNA) set the goal of not conceding the first goal and accepted the end of the two regular halves with a score of 0-0. Photo: Hai Hoang

After the initial period when SLNA dominated the game, by the middle of the first half, Thanh Hoa controlled the ball better and continuously created dangerous situations in front of Nguyen Canh Tiep's goal. However, with the solidity of SLNA's defense, after the end of the first 45 minutes, neither side was able to score a goal.

Entering the second half, SLNA was the team with better ball control. Coach Dinh Van Dung's players continuously had quite diverse attacking arrangements. The Nghe An striker often coordinated from the center, then suddenly opened up the flank to take advantage of the speed and technical dribbling ability of midfielder Ho Van Cuong. However, Thanh Hoa also studied this style of play of SLNA quite carefully. Therefore, it was very difficult for coach Dinh Van Dung's strikers to create surprises on the opponent's goal.

Before the penalty shootout, both Thanh Hoa and SLNA changed goalkeepers. SLNA goalkeeper Nguyen Canh Tiep was chosen. In a day of excellent performance, he blocked 4/5 of the opponent's 11m penalties, helping SLNA win and secure a ticket to the semi-finals. Photo: Hai Hoang

The joy of SLNA players after defeating Thanh Hoa on penalties with a score of 2-1 to enter the semi-finals. Photo: Hai Hoang

After 90 minutes of play, neither team scored a goal, so the ticket to the semi-finals was only determined by the 11m penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Nguyen Canh Tiep showed his excellence when he continuously blocked 4 penalty kicks from Thanh Hoa. Thereby, helping U19 SLNA to be present in the semi-finals.

Goalkeeper Van Tiep was also the best player of the match. In the semi-final, U19 SLNA will meet U19 Viettel. Photo: Hai Hoang

Duc Anh