Football

Hà Nội Police players in a training session. The national champions will play Thanh Hóa in the National Super Cup on October 6 in Hà Nội. Photo of Hà Nội Police FC

HÀ NỘI — The National Super Cup match, the opener of the national football season, will take place on Friday in Hà Nội with the winner walking away with VNĐ300 million.

V.League 1 champions Hà Nội Police will play National Cup winners Đông Á Thanh Hóa at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium. The match will see referees working under the support of the VAR system.

"The Super Cup 2023 match is most special as it is for the first time organised in the autumn instead of the spring as usual," said Lê Xuân Sơn, Editor-in-chief of the Tiền Phong Newspaper and head of the organising board.

"The change is made due to the domestic football leagues' switched time table to match with the Asian Football Confederation's requirements that the season must begin in the autumn and wrap up in summer.

"This year, the Super Cup match will see Hà Nội Police FC participating for the first time while Thanh Hóa are aiming for their second trophy. I believe both their determination will make for an attractive and competitive game."

The world football governing body FIFA have agreed for the use of VAR in the match, making it the first Super Cup game applying this technology in history.

Organisers hold a press conference announcing the National Super Cup in Hà Nội. Photo bongdaplus.vn

Coach Velizar Popov of Thanh Hóa appeared very cautious saying that as the national champion Hà Nội Police were the strongest team in Việt Nam.

The Bulgarian manager said the Police were home to many stars. They recently added several more quality players, making them a perfect team.

However, these activities would not affect his team as Thanh Hóa would try their best in all matches against every rival.

Police assistant coach Vũ Như Thành added: "The Super Cup has a special meaning for my team as we compete for the trophy for the first time.

"Our players will compete in all tournaments with the highest spirit of determination and respect for our opponents."

Thành said in the last season, the Police faced Thanh Hóa twice, both tough matches. Their meet in the last round played key role deciding the championship winners.

He said the Police were lucky to win the first match and draw in the second.

According to the regulations, two teams will play in 90 minutes. In the event of a draw, a penalty shootout will decide the winner.

The winners will receive VNĐ300 million (US$12,300) in cash while the losers will get VNĐ200 million.

Organisers will deliver VNĐ10 million to the player who scores the opening goal and the MVP of the match.

Hà Nội FC have won the Super Cuph five times while Sông Lam Nghệ An and Becamex Bình Dương won it four times each.

To date, 12 teams have won this Super Cup match.

The match is jointly organised by the Tiền Phong Newspaper, Việt Nam Professional Football Company (VPF) and Tiền Phong Jointstock Company.

It will be broadcast live on FPT Play, and social networks of FPT Company and Tiền Phong Newspaper. VNS