Football

Thanh Hóa players and coaches celebrate their first National Cup title on August 20 after beating Viettel FC in the final match. — Photo courtesy of baothanhhoa.vn

HÀ NỘI — Thanh Hóa made history winning their first National Cup title after beating powerhouse Viettel 5-3 in the penalty shoot-out on August 20 on their home ground.

After the 90 official minutes, both two sides could not score a goal and the match went to the penalties. While all five players of the host were successful, Viettel captain Bùi Tiến Dũng missed his opportunity.

After many years of waiting, Thanh Hóa players, coaches and supporters finally lifted the trophy in a crazy atmosphere at the Thanh Hóa Stadium.

Playing at home was always strong point of any team. Thanh Hóa brought into play their advantage to open consecutive attacks from the beginning.

Brazilian forward Bruno Cunha Cantanhede of Thanh Hóa (centre) battles for the ball during the National Cup final.

However their Brazilian forward Bruno Cunha Cantanhede could not score a goal.

Viettel played on the counter and also created several threatening chances but international midfielder Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, who was the most expensive Vietnamese player, Egyptian striker Mohamed Essam and young midfielder Dương Văn Hào all missed.

Coach Popov Velizar Emilov of Thanh Hóa and Thạch Bảo Khanh of Viettel made changes to improve their front line in the second half but these decisions did not work.

Bulgarian Emilov kept kissing on his pendant and muttered to prayer minutes before the spot kicks and God heard what he wished.

Paulo Conrado, Lê Thanh Bình, Gustavo Sant Ana Santos, Đàm Tiến Dũng and Cantanhede defeated Viettel goalkeeper Văn Phong.

Dũng's effort hit the bar.

Emilov kneed down when Cantanhede's shot hit the back of the net, sealing the win for his side. He also earned his biggest title in his career.

Speaking at the post-match briefing, Popov said his team were lucky to win the match but Thanh Hóa deserve to have the trophy after their great effort throughout the season.

The Thanh Hóa Stadium opened for supporters to cheer their team in the final match.

"It is a wonderful and surprising season for Thanh Hóa," he said.

"We have worked hard and competed well. The National Cup title is a worthy reward for the tireless efforts of the coaching staff, players and the entire team.

"People said we were lucky winner. I agree. But they can't deny that my players strictly followed the tactics and played effectively to prevent Viettel from approaching goalkeeper Thanh Diệp's area."

He said this season, Thanh Hóa had not had many stars like Hà Nội, Viettel and Hà Nội Police but the team won the National Cup and played well in the V.League 1. It made Thanh Hóa's victory more impressive.

He hoped that the trophy would be a motivation for players to do their best in the national premier league's last match on August 27 when they face leading team Hà Nội Police at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium in the capital city.

Supporters of Viettel travelled to encourage their team.

Sunday's win not only helped Thanh Hóa pay the debt losing 1-0 to Viettel in the V.League 1 match two weeks ago but also made them one of the National Cup champions.

Viettel took the silver and Topen Land Bình Định and PVF-People's Police shared the third place. — VNS