Football

Hà Nội FC players and coaches celebrate their third National Cup triumph on Sunday in Hà Nội. The club defeat Bình Định 2-0 in the final to defend their title. Photo of VPF

HÀ NỘI — Two world-class goals from Hà Nội FC toppled Toppenland Bình Định in the National Cup final at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium at the weekend.

Hà Nội defended their title and hold the trophy for the third season in a row, the first club to do so.

They won in 2019, 2020 and 2022, as the 2021 season was cancelled because of the pandemic.

Before the match, Bình Định's coach Nguyễn Đức Thắng said his players were there to cause an upset and did not deny their ambition to win the National Cup for the first time.

They made Hà Nội's players work hard to protect their net in the first half, with foreign duo Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes and Hendrio Araujo Dasilva threatening. However, neither could find the back of the net.

Đoàn Văn Hậu scored the opener from 30m distance. Photos courtesy of VPF

Five minutes after the break, defender Đoàn Văn Hậu opened the scoring with a screamer from 30 metres outs.

Hậu broke through the left wing and let fly for the far corner. National goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm used all his 1.88m frame but was unable to stop the ball.

"I just wanted to test my skills. Luckily, it was a goal," said Hậu.

"I have overcome many problems to get back to football. The goal is a strong push for me. My effort helped us get a sweet result."

While the goal lifted Hà Nội, it put Bình Định at sixes and sevens, and they never looked likely to claw one back.

The second goal came to Hà Nội in the 82nd minute, a sublime effort by Trương Văn Thái Quý, who took a punt from more than 70m, lobbing the red-faced goalkeeper Lâm.

Revenge was sweet for Hà Nội, who lost to Bình Định 3-0 in their recent V.League 1 match.

"It was the moment of decision. I saw Lâm was far from his net and decided to shoot. I did not think it would be a goal, but it was," said Quý.

"Previously, I scored a goal from the central area and some lucky goals from the team, but this one is the best goal in my career, from a 70-75m. It was incredible, especially when my parents watched me from the stand.

"No words can describe my feeling now. I am blown away!!!"

Midfielder Trương Văn Thái Quý celebrates what he calls the 'best goal of his career'. He scored from more than 70m out.

"This is my perfect season. I have worked hard and found a spot in the first team. I have just extended my contract with Hà Nội. I have won two titles this year," he said.

Last week, Hà Nội lifted the V.League 1 trophy, returning to the top of domestic football after the 2021 season was cancelled.

Their third National Cup places them on the same level as Sông Lam Nghệ An, who won in 2002, 2010 and 2017, and Becamex Bình Dương 1994, 2015 and 2018.

The win was also a happy ending for head coach Chun Jea-ho who will leave the club after failing to make a new deal with the club.

He is the first foreign coach to win both V.League 1 and National Cup with Hà Nội. VNS