Goalkeeper's outstanding performance led SLNA U19 to defeat Thanh Hoa U19 and advance to the semi-finals.

On the afternoon of April 2nd, U19 SLNA and U19 Thanh Hoa faced off in the quarter-finals to compete for a place in the semi-finals of the 2022 National U19 Championship. Photo: Hai Hoang

The match between U19 SLNA and U19 Thanh Hoa is a highly anticipated encounter. Three years ago, the team from Nghe An province twice defeated their neighboring club to claim the top spot in the tournament. Therefore, Thanh Hoa is determined to overcome U19 SLNA in this match to reclaim their lost honor.

Before this match, U19 SLNA added striker Dinh Xuan Tien, who had just returned from the Dubai Cup, to their squad, and also boasted prominent names like U23 Southeast Asian champion Ho Van Cuong, leading to the belief that they had a slight advantage over U19 Thanh Hoa. Photo: Hai Hoang

However, the Thanh Hoa players (in yellow) chose a passionate and highly determined style of play, causing many difficulties for the white-shirted team. Photo: Hai Hoang

Today, coach Dinh Van Dung's team was reinforced by midfielder Dinh Xuan Tien - one of two SLNA players called up to the Vietnam U23 team. With this quality addition, the Nghe An team will be stronger in attack. In addition, SLNA also sees the return of Nguyen Van Bach and Phan Xuan Dai - two players who have recently recovered from injuries and COVID-19.

With quality players in their attacking line, SLNA quickly took control of the game after the opening whistle. Dinh Xuan Tien showed he was the driving force for the Nghe An team, with the player from Nam Dan constantly threatening Thanh Hoa's goal. However, the Thanh Hoa team also played quite defensively and frequently pressed, making it difficult for SLNA's strikers.

The two teams were evenly matched in terms of possession. The Thanh Hoa team, with their strong teamwork, pressed all over the field, leaving SLNA somewhat frustrated. Photo: Hai Hoang

The first half ended 0-0. Entering the second half, both coaches, Le Hong Minh (U19 Thanh Hoa) and Dinh Van Dung (U19 SLNA), aimed to avoid conceding a goal and accepted a 0-0 draw after the two halves. Photo: Hai Hoang

After SLNA dominated the early stages, Thanh Hoa gained better control of the ball around the middle of the first half and continuously created dangerous opportunities in front of Nguyen Canh Tiep's goal. However, thanks to SLNA's solid defense, neither side managed to score a goal by the end of the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, SLNA had better ball control. Coach Dinh Van Dung's players continuously created diverse attacking moves. The strikers from Nghe An often combined from the midfield, then unexpectedly opened up to the flanks to take advantage of the speed and dribbling skills of midfielder Ho Van Cuong. However, Thanh Hoa had also studied SLNA's playing style quite well. Therefore, it was very difficult for Coach Dinh Van Dung's strikers to create any 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 an outstanding performance, he saved 4 out of 5 penalties, helping SLNA win and secure a place in the semi-finals. Photo: Hai Hoang

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

After 90 minutes of play, neither team had scored, so the ticket to the semi-finals was decided only by a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Nguyen Canh Tiep showed his excellence by saving four consecutive penalties from Thanh Hoa. This helped U19 SLNA reach the semi-finals.

Goalkeeper Van Tiep was also named Man of the Match. In the semi-final, U19 SLNA will face U19 Viettel. Photo: Hai Hoang