National Cup Qualifiers: Host SLNA crushes Dak Lak

(Baonghean.vn) - Welcoming Dak Lak at home in the 2017 National Cup qualifying round, although not fielding their strongest lineup, with high determination, Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's students still completely dominated the game and created a satisfying Spring party at Vinh Stadium.

As predicted by experts and fans, in the match against Dak Lak in the qualifying round of the 2017 National Cup, coach Nguyen Duc Thang put on the field a rather unfamiliar lineup. Familiar names such as Henry Shackiel, Olala Michael were not even in the starting lineup, while goalkeeper number 1 Tran Nguyen Manh, Que Ngoc Hai and Phi Son... sat on the bench. It is understandable, because although not not taking the National Cup seriously, in the context of SLNA not having a very good start in the 2017 V.League when they only got 5 points after 4 matches and are currently in 8th place, it is natural to focus on the highest tournament. Besides, in the regular lineup of SLNA playing in the V.League, there are 2 players who are performing national duty in the U23 Vietnam team, including Ho Tuan Tai and Hoang Van Khanh.

The players of both teams confidently walked onto the field.

Moreover, with these choices, Coach Nguyen Duc Thang hopes that the players who do not often play will have the opportunity to practice to practice their skills and experience as well as feel the ball, feel the position for the upcoming difficult journey. Especially in the most recent match against the "phenomenon" Quang Nam in round 5 of V.League on Sunday (February 12) at home.

Players of both teams perform the flag salute ceremony before the match.

Back to the main events of the match. It was thought that with their "experience" and superior quality of players, SLNA would easily dominate the game. But no, right after the starting whistle of referee Ngo Quoc Hung, the away players rushed to attack and had the first opportunity to make goalkeeper Le Quang Dai's goal shake. This phase of the ball originated from a free kick on the right wing in the direction of Dak Lak's attack, the lack of decisiveness of the home team's defense almost made SLNA pay the price. Fortunately, player Bui Hoang My's shot hit the post of goalkeeper Le Quang Dai.

Despite many attacks, throughout the first half, SLNA players still could not find the net of the away team.

Although somewhat surprised, coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team quickly regained control of the game with many different attacks, especially attacks from the right wing. However, it was not until the 15th minute that SLNA's powerful response came. Receiving a very favorable pass from his teammate, striker Viet Nguyen rushed down to face the goalkeeper, but in a favorable position, his kick was too weak. This was the home team's most regrettable miss since the beginning of the match.

Regaining confidence, from the 17th to the 20th minute, SLNA created a series of scoring opportunities. First was a close-range header by Viet Nguyen from a free kick on the right wing, although goalkeeper Ngo Van Nhut was helpless, the ball hit the crossbar. Immediately after that was a very uncomfortable corner kick into the 5m50 area, the yellow shirt players still won the aerial battle, the ball was sent into the far corner but goalkeeper Van Nhut miraculously blocked the corner kick.

It seemed that the deadlock was broken after Phu Nguyen controlled and finished very precisely, however on a day when the away team's goal seemed to be "haunted", the ball once again found the edge of the net of goalkeeper Van Nhut of Dak Lak. Therefore, the first half ended without any goals being created.

Phi Son fought fiercely in the siege of Dak Lak players.

In the second half, coach Nguyen Duc Thang made a change, with Phi Son replacing Van Duc. Obviously, Phi Son's presence on the left wing made SLNA's attack more balanced. However, when that effect had not yet arrived, the Vinh stadium stands were silent. From a very sharp counterattack, after 3 passes from home, the ball reached striker Nguyen Hong Quan's feet. In an unmarked position, Hong Quan kicked very quickly and deep, making goalkeeper Quang Dai helpless and having to go into the net to pick up the ball, opening the score for the away team.

Waking up after being doused with cold water, coach Nguyen Duc Thang made two consecutive substitutions in the attack, Van Vinh and The Cuong. With the timely addition, the home team immediately increased the terrible pressure on the visitors' goal of Van Nhut. Attacking tirelessly, SLNA finally got the equalizer in the 62nd minute thanks to midfielder Ho Khac Ngoc (12) after a beautiful attack from the right wing.

Ho Khac Ngoc's delicate finish helped SLNA equalize in the 62nd minute.

Not wanting the match to drag on into extra time, SLNA continued to increase the pressure while the away team completely huddled in their own half. In the 85th minute, striker Ho Phuc Tinh converted countless opportunities into goals, raising the score to 2-1 for SLNA, still from a dangerous close-range shot. Continuing to gain momentum, in the third minute of extra time, Phi Son ended the away team's hopes with a very classy move to seal the score at 3-1.

Coach Nguyen Duc Thang shares joy with the players at the end of the match.

Ending the first match of the new year with a score of 3-1, along with an overwhelming attack with the mobility and efficiency of the midfield and forwards, confidence has returned to the SLNA players. Speaking after the match, coach Nguyen Duc Thang highly appreciated the efforts of his students. At the same time, he affirmed that with 2 consecutive wins in all competitions, SLNA will continue to strive to achieve satisfactory results in the next matches within the framework of the V.League, most recently the match with the "phenomenon" Quang Nam on February 12.

Canh Nam - Trung Kien