SLNA was unfortunately eliminated from the National U19 Championship Finals.

(Baonghean.vn) - Before their final match in Group B, PVF had the advantage of a better goal difference than SLNA, so a draw would have been enough to secure their progression, while SLNA was under pressure to win. However, coach Nguyen Dinh Dung's team couldn't squeeze through despite scoring first.

Despite playing on the less-than-ideal pitch in Tay Son, U19 SLNA was the better team and maintained control throughout the first half. Aiming for a victory, the young team from Nghe An launched several clear and dangerous attacks towards the U19 PVF goal.

On the opposing team's side, because they only needed one point to secure their place in the next round, U19 PVF didn't rush to attack. Therefore, Coach Nguyen Dinh Dung's players controlled the game well in the first 45 minutes.

One of the most dangerous situations for U19 SLNA happened in the 25th minute. From an attacking support move, defender Mai Sy Hoang (17) comfortably headed the ball close to the goal, unfortunately the ball went just wide of the post.

The SLNA U19 players continued to have an unsuccessful tournament. Photo: Trung Kien.

After several missed opportunities, U19 SLNA's efforts finally came in the first minute of added time in the first half when Lai Duc Anh capitalized on a cross from outside the penalty area by Dang Van Lam, heading the ball into the net to open the scoring.

Entering the second half, the true character of U19 SLNA was tested as their opponents were determined to score a goal to equalize. In the early minutes of the second half, U19 SLNA were somewhat complacent and played defensively in their own half.

The loss of attacking momentum and a lack of defensive cunning cost U19 SLNA dearly. In the 58th minute, U19 PVF had a golden opportunity right outside the penalty area when an SLNA defender fouled an opposing player. Striker Le Van Xuan surprised Duong Van Cuong with a shot. The score was leveled at 1-1, and if they wanted to advance, U19 SLNA had to start over. Meanwhile, U19 PVF maintained their advantage.

The pressure to win caused the U19 SLNA players to lose their fluidity, and their crosses into the box were almost harmless. U19 SLNA's attacks were confined to the area in front of the penalty box and never once troubled goalkeeper Thai Hieu of PVF.

Without rushing to score a goal to extend their lead, U19 PVF had more opportunities for dangerous counter-attacks. However, throughout the remainder of the match, no further goals were scored, and coach Nguyen Dinh Dung's team had to settle for a draw.

The sadness of Coach Nguyen Dinh Dung's players after their tireless efforts. Photo: Trung Kien.

This result officially eliminated U19 SLNA from the National U19 Championship Finals due to an inferior goal difference compared to their opponent PVF, despite having the same 4 points after 3 matches. In the other match played at the same time in Quy Nhon, the result was a 0-0 draw between U19 Hanoi and U19 S. Khanh Hoa. At the end of the group stage, U19 Hanoi and U19 PVF were the two representatives to advance to the semi-finals.

Trung Kien