SLNA was unfortunately eliminated from the National U19 Finals

(Baonghean.vn) - Before meeting in the final match of Group B, PVF had the advantage of a better goal difference than SLNA, so a draw was all it took to advance, while SLNA was under pressure to win. And coach Nguyen Dinh Dung and his team could not squeeze through the narrow door despite scoring first.

Playing on the Tay Son field was not guaranteed, but U19 SLNA was the better team and had the initiative throughout the first half. The young team from Nghe An with the goal of winning consecutively launched quite clear and dangerous attacks towards the U19 PVF goal.

As for the opposing team, because they only needed 1 point to secure a ticket to the next round, U19 PVF did not rush to attack. Therefore, coach Nguyen Dinh Dung's students controlled the game well in the first 45 minutes.

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

U19 SLNA players continue to have an unsuccessful final round. Photo: Trung Kien.

After many missed opportunities, U19 SLNA's efforts only came in the first minute of injury time of the first half when Lai Duc Anh took advantage of Dang Van Lam's cross from outside the penalty area, heading the ball to open the score of the match.

Entering the second half, the true mettle of U19 SLNA was tested when the opponent was determined to score a goal to level the score. In the first minutes of the second half, U19 SLNA was quite subjective and played solidly on their home field.

The loss of excitement in attack and the lack of cunning in defense made U19 SLNA pay the price. In the 58th minute, U19 PVF had a great opportunity right near the 16m50 box when an SLNA defender fouled an opponent player, striker Le Van Xuan surprised Duong Van Cuong with an immediate shot. The score was leveled 1-1 and if they wanted to win a ticket to the next round, U19 SLNA had to start over. Meanwhile, the advantage continued to belong to U19 PVF.

The mentality of having to win made the U19 SLNA team lose their freedom and the crosses from the SLNA midfielders were almost harmless. The attacks of U19 SLNA only lingered around the penalty area and did not once cause any trouble for PVF goalkeeper Thai Hieu.

Not rushing to find a goal to widen the gap, U19 PVF had more chances to counterattack dangerously. However, during the rest of the match, no more goals were scored and coach Nguyen Dinh Dung and his team had to accept a draw.

The sadness of coach Nguyen Dinh Dung's students after tireless efforts. Photo: Trung Kien.

This result caused U19 SLNA to be officially eliminated from the National U19 Finals due to losing the goal difference compared to their opponent PVF, despite having the same 4 points after 3 matches. In the match taking place at the same time at Quy Nhon Stadium, between U19 Hanoi and U19 S. Khanh Hoa, there was also a draw (0-0). At the end of the group stage, U19 Hanoi and U19 PVF were the 2 representatives entering the semi-finals.

Trung Kien