PVF-People's Police players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout in the National Cup's quarter-finals against Hoàng Anh Gia Lai on July 11 in Pleiku. Photo of VPF

HÀ NỘI — PVF-People's Police have become the first V.League 2 side to reach the National Cup's semi-finals since 2005 after they beat Hoàng Anh Gia Lai on July 11.

After a 1-1 result in normal time, PVF defeated the former V.League 1 champions 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out in Pleiku City.

Nguyễn Tuấn Anh and Hữu Phước of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai wasted their chances while it was Ngọc Sơn of the PVF who failed to hit the target.

PVF coach Mauro Jeronimo praised his players who showed off all of their abilities and were really brave against a higher-level rival.

"First of all, it is a good game. I believe that supporters really enjoy our match. Both sides played a beautiful style, we attacked and scored," said Jeronimo.

"Although we faced strong rival, my players still managed the pace and always created high pressure on them and open threatening attacks. I am proud of them."

The Portuguese tactician said the next V.League 1 side, Thanh Hóa, in the semi-finals would be another tough challenge for his team.

"It is an extraordinary result as no V.League 2 team has reached the semis since 2005. We will have to try our best when playing Thanh Hóa. We will try to have positive result," he said.

Thanh Hóa beat Phù Đổng 1-0 with the only goal of Lê Thanh Bình on July 10.

Hoàng Anh Gia Lai coach Kiatisak Senamuang supported his players who failed with the spot kicks.

"It is normal that a playẻ misses a penalty. There is nothing easy in football. Tuấn Anh played his best today and I hope he would quickly forget his failed kick today and focus on the next matches," said Senamuang.

It is the 19th year in a row that Hoàng Anh Gia Lai could not win a title. Earlier, they failed to make V.League 1's top eight to vie for the national premier league trophy.

"I am a little sad about this match. I prepared the strongest squad. We had chances but could not make it and then lost after penalty," said the Thai football legend.

"Now, we will focus on the last games in the V.League 1. The next five matches will be five finals for us."

In other quarter-final match, Viettel maintained their impressive performance to outclass Thép Xanh Nam Định 2-0 at the Hàng Đẫy.

Jeferson Elias of Viettel scores the opener in his team's 2-0 win over Nam Định on July 11. — Photo of VPF

Jeferson Elias and Nhâm Mạnh Dũng scored in the second half of the match.

"Jeferson just recovers from his injury so I don't want him to start from the beginning of this match. But he shone in the second half, being good in both fitness and confidence. He scored the opener, helping us to break through the match," said coach Thạch Bảo Khanh.

Expressing his happiness after the win but the former national forward said it was still early to talk about titles. Viettel would have to do well every match first and all players would have the opportunity to compete.

Viettel will play Topenland Bình Định, who won 2-1 over Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh in an earlier game, in next match with the date to be confirmed.

Nam Định coach Vũ Hồng Việt was sad after the defeat, blaming his players' physical problems.

"My players did not have good start in this match. We have one day rest less than Viettel so we play without the best," said Việt.

"We had balls but they lost immediately to Viettel. Gradually, we lost the game."

Việt said Nam Định would have to pay all attention to the V.League 1's second stage and the National Cup loss would be a lesson for them in the rest of the season. VNS