Lookatvietnam – Two Hanoian teams had their first wins in the National Cup’s first round, a positive sign for their football league season games starting later this week.

Frolic: Hoa Phat Ha Noi players celebrate after winning the penalty shootouts over Hai Phong Cement in the first round of the National Cup. Hoa Phat won 5-4.

The early match of the round finished with the victory going to Hoa Phat Ha Noi, who defeated Hai Phong Cement 5-4 after a penalty shootout last Saturday.

The three-time Golden Ball winner Vinh, who had a record transfer fee of about US$400,000 to move to T&T, did not score this match but was instrumental in both his team’s goals.

T&T dominated the whole game against the much weaker team and had a number of attacks on the goal but most missed the net.

After many attempts, Vinh gave a great pass to Vy Duc Anh, who made a long-distance shot outside the box to open the score at the 32nd minute.

Too happy with the goal, they lost their mind on defence. Quang Ngai’s forward Nguyen Dinh Phuong did not waste his chance, leaving the two defenders, Ngoc Quan and Tien Dung, in the dust to even the result eight minutes later.

Duong Hong Son, who was voted the Most Valuable Player of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008, dove for the ball but failed to block the well-placed shot.

Vinh one again proved his talent before the end of the first half by passing to halfback Tuan Anh, who was free in the box and finished the shot.

While T&T had an easy match, Hoa Phat Ha Noi only reached their victory after a shootout.

Both teams focused on defence, leading to a poor quality match. After 90 minutes, neither team had scored leaving the outcome to be decided through a shootout.

While Hoa Phat Ha Noi’s players missed only one chance, Hai Phong, who played under the leadership of the former national coach Alfred Riedl, lost two chances.

Hoa Phat Ha Noi will meet with the defending champions Ha Noi ACB in the next round on February 21.

T&T will play Military Zone 4, who beat Quang Ninh Coal 1-0 yesterday, at Ha Noi’s Hang Day Stadium one day later.

In yesterday’s other matches, Dong Tam Long An beat Tien Giang 2-0 in Long An. Quang Nam defeated Thanh Hoa 3-2.

In Dong Nai Province, host Dong Nai Bejaya crushed Binh Dinh 2-1, while the former V-League champion won 2-0 over Huda Hue city.

The latest match of the round saw Hoang Anh Gia Lai beat Sai Gon United 3-2.

The First Division and V-League tournaments will kick off on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, in stadiums nationwide.

(Source: Viet Nam News)