Football

Đông Á Thanh Hóa players enjoy their Super Cup win after beating Hà Nội Police 3-1 on October 6. VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — Đông Á Thanh Hóa beat Hà Nội Police 3-1 to lift the National Super Cup title for the second time on October 6 in Hà Nội.

Thanh Hóa which won the 2022-23 National Cup, dominated from the kick-off at Hàng Đẫy Stadium. But the Police stars did not let the visitors get far. They gradually took over the game and created a number of good chances.

In first half stoppage time, Thanh Hóa were given an indirect free kick just a few metres from the goal line after the Police's goalkeeper Filip Nguyễn caught the ball from his defender Thành Long's back pass.

With two assists and one goal, Rimario Gordon of Đông Á Thanh Hóa (left) was the MVP .

Rimario Gordon sent the ball to Gustavo Santo who made no mistake to open the scoring.

The Police made three changes in the second half to strengthen their front line but their tactics did not work against Thanh Hóa's rock solid defence.

Nguyễn conceded his second goal on the 78th minute after a counter-attack from Thanh Hóa.

Gordon took the ball in front of the box and defender Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh attempt to block the shot only diverted the ball into his own net.

Three minutes later, Gordon earned a goal himself after taking a smart pass from Luiz Antonio.

Geovane Magno pulled one back for the Police in injury time from the penalty spot.

Thanh Hóa won VNĐ300 million (US$12,300) while the Police received VNĐ200 million.

Santo took VNĐ10 million for the player who opened the scoring while Gordon received VNĐ10 million for the MVP of the match.

"My players deserved to take the title after what they did in the his match," said coach Velizar Emilov Popov of Thanh Hóa.

"We controlled the game and played better for the most part. We met with some problems in the second half but we corrected and maintained our lead.”

The 47-year-old coach reminded his players that the 2023-24 season has not started yet. They needed to be focused because it would be a tough tournament with many challenges.

The Bulgarian said Thanh Hóa would try to be in top six first before thinking about better position. VNS