Football

Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco players and coaches celebrate their National Seven-a-Side Football Cup victory. Photos of Viet Football

HCM CITY — Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco won the National Seven-a-Side Football Cup – Hyundai Thành Công Cup – which closed on December 10 in HCM City.

Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco, a representative of the central region, defeated SHB 4-3 in the final's penalty shootouts at the Gia Định Stadium which was filled with 5,000 supporters.

After a 0-0 draw in the official time, two sides took part in the spot kicks. Goalkeeper Trần Anh Tuấn of Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco became the hero of the match as he successfully blocked two shots from the SHB side.

Goalkeeper Trần Anh Tuấn of Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco (centre) saves two penalty kicks to push his side to the top podium of the Hyundai Thành Công Cup.

Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco stepped on the top podium and receive VNĐ100 million (US$4,100). SHB bagged VNĐ50 million.

It was Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco's second final within four months. They lost 3-5 to Đại Từ FC in the National Seven-a-Side Football Championship final and took silver in August.

Earlier in the third-place playoff, AE GFDI Sông Hàn beat Thiên Khôi FC 5-3 in the penalties to take bronze and VNĐ30 million. Thiên Khôi were the most fair-play club of the tournament.

"Seven-a-side football has become more competitive recently. Supporters were served with beautiful football and skilful tactics," said national team coach assistant Nguyễn Việt Thắng.

"This football style has earned a firm place in fans' interest. I hope that in the future this style will develop and spread throughout the community."

Meanwhile former national striker Trần Minh Chiến said the national cup was well organised while there were many competitive matches that lured thousands of people to fill all stadiums.

In addition to main prizes, organisers also presented individual awards, including MVP Nguyễn Thanh Tuấn of Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco; best goalkeeper Trần Anh Đức of SHB; top scorers Trần Đức Long of Đắk Lắk Lottery and Claudecir dos Reis Rodrigues Júnior of Nghiêm Phạm Holdings with four goals; and best coach Nguyễn Trọng Tùng of Hiếu Hoa-Quahaco.

"Hyundai Thành Công Việt Nam always cares for and focuses on sports activities in general, we also pay great attention to football in particular," said Trần Huy Hoàng, Communications & Brand Director of Hyundai Thành Công Việt Nam.

"We believe that with further investment in organisation, communication work and the investment of the teams, we will have a quality tournament and bring a lot of excitement to supporters," he said. VNS