Holders beat hosts in shoot-out to keep U21 trophy

Published: 27/09/2009 05:00

0

100 views

Da Nang successfully defended its U21 National Football title beating hosts Binh Duong 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out at the Go Dau Stadium on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Xuan Nam saved two shots by Cong Huy and Duc Giang to help Da Nang retain the trophy and win the Best Goalkeeper award at the 13th Thanh Nien-sponsored annual football event.

Da Nang also earned the Fair-Play award while its playmaker Pham Nguyen Sa was selected Player-of-the-Tournament. Striker Truong Cong Thao was the tournament’s top scorer with four goals.

A downpour made it impossible for the two teams to play attacking football although they had all their best players on the field.

However, the hosts looked a better side in the first half as the players adjusted better to the slippery field.

Dynamic striker Duc Tai caused a lot of trouble for Da Nang’s defenders, and Binh Duong had its clearest chance after less than 10 minutes but Duc Hoa’s shot went narrowly wide after he collected a Duc Tai pass.

Da Nang was not flustered though as it had Nguyen Sa and Van Meo prowling upfront. Meo made several good passes to his teammates and in the 32nd minute he found Van Tinh unmarked, but Tinh’s shot went straight to Binh Duong goalkeeper Anh Hoang.

In the second half, Da Nang became the stronger side with most of Binh Duong players appeared exhausted.

Da Nang’s Van Meo and substitute Cong Thao had several long-range shots but Binh Duong goalkeeper Anh Hoang was equal to them.

At the other end of the field, Van Hung had a close-range shot that Nam was able to save.

The normal 90 minutes ended without a goal scored before goalkeeper Nam’s excellence settled the issue, ensuring Da Nang would be champions for the second year running.

Speaking after the match, coach Tran Tan Thong of Binh Duong said his team lost in the finals but didn’t let their fans down.

“It was a pity my players couldn’t convert the chances,” Thong said. “Anyway, there is only one winner and I congratulate Da Nang.”

Winning coach Phan Thanh Hung said, “Both teams played in high spirits despite the bad weather. I am satisfied with the performance of my players.

“Winning or losing in the penalty shoot-out is just a matter of luck. We are happy because we are lucky today.”

Hung was particularly happy that his players, who were younger than last year’s squad, could successfully defend their title.

He hoped his best players would continue to play exceptionally alongside other outstanding players picked from other teams and bring victory for Vietnam at the international tournament in October.

At the third international tournament next month, also sponsored by Thanh Nien and hosted by Binh Duong, the best players selected from the national tournament will represent Vietnam against Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Iran.

Reported by Trung Duong

Provide by Vietnam Travel

Holders beat hosts in shoot-out to keep U21 trophy - Sports - News |  vietnam travel company

You can see more



enews & updates

Sign up to receive breaking news as well as receive other site updates!

Ads by Adonline