Overcoming Yen Thanh Youth after penalty shootout, Quynh Luu Youth entered the final

The second semi-final match between Thieu Nien Yen Thanh (light blue) and Thieu Nien Quynh Luu (dark blue) was exciting from the start. Photo: Duc Anh

Enter the semi-finals, Thieu Nien Quynh Luu ranked first in group B with 3 wins. Meanwhile, Thieu Nien Yen Thanh ranked second in group A. However, the opponents from Quynh Luu could not keep an eye on the players from the rice fields. Because in the squad of Thieu Nien Yen Thanh players, there are 2 extremely dangerous attacking spearheads, Nguyen Van Sang (7) and Ho Dang Nhat (10), both of whom have scored 5 goals. The coaching staff of Thieu Nien Quynh Luu team also understands that if they are careless for just a moment, they will have to pay the price.

The two teams played very closely. Photo: Duc Anh

When the opening whistle blew, both teams gave the audience an exciting match. The first chance belonged to Thieu Nien Quynh Luu when captain Nguyen Dinh Thuong (4) fired a powerful long-range shot in the 7th minute. Fortunately, Thieu Nien Yen Thanh's goalkeeper was focused.

In the following minutes, the ball was constantly moved back and forth between the two sides and there were almost no dead ball situations. Outside the field, the coaching staff and spectators of both teams continuously experienced a heart-stopping feeling after each attack.

The second clear chance of the match continued to belong to Quynh Luu players, again number 4 Nguyen Dinh Thuong fired a long shot from outside the penalty area. Unfortunately, the ball went straight to the position of goalkeeper Phan Van Manh of Yen Thanh.

In the remaining minutes of the first half, both teams did not have any more dangerous attacks and had to temporarily accept a 0-0 draw.

Both teams wanted to play in the final so they played with great determination. Photo: Duc Anh

Entering the second half, after adjustments in personnel and tactics, Thieu Nien Yen Thanh created more dominance than the opponent. This team continuously created dangerous situations towards Quynh Luu's goal. In the 26th minute, player wearing number 7 Nguyen Van Sang missed the post, much to the regret of the audience.

In the second half, the physical strength of Quynh Luu players had clearly decreased. Meanwhile, despite their relatively small stature, Yen Thanh players were very mobile and agile. Yen Thanh Youth players continuously penetrated deep into both wings, dribbled the ball towards the bottom of the field, then passed it back to the second line to finish.

Tied 0-0, the two teams had to go into a penalty shootout. Photo: Duc Anh

However, in the 36th minute, the Yen Thanh Youth players almost paid the price after a quick counter-attack from their opponents. Fortunately, the close-range header from player Nguyen Dinh Thuong (4), on Quynh Luu's side, sent the ball close to the post.

In the 38th minute, Thieu Nien Quynh Luu was awarded a free kick outside the penalty area, with a good opportunity, but captain Nguyen Dinh Thuong shot the ball over the bar.

Notably, in the 43rd minute, from a not-so-dangerous shot from Quynh Luu player, goalkeeper Phan Van Manh of Yen Thanh side failed to catch the ball, fortunately the post saved the players from the rice fields from a clear loss.

Quynh Luu players celebrate their victory and move on to the final match. Photo: Duc Anh

In the 46th minute, it was Yen Thanh players' turn to get a free kick close to the penalty area of ​​goalkeeper Quynh Luu's goal. However, Nguyen Van Sang's shot hit the wall.

With no goals scored, both teams had to accept a 0-0 draw and went into a penalty shootout. While the Quynh Luu Youth players were successful in all 5 shots, the Yen Thanh players failed in the second shot.

In the end, Quynh Luu Youth players won 5-3 against Yen Thanh Youth. Quynh Luu Youth's opponent in the final match was Vinh City Youth.