HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Thành Chung’s 81^st minute goal sealed the final slot in the semi-finals of the Vietnam National Football Cup – White Lion 2018 for Hà Nội.

With the 2-2 draw in the first leg at home, HAGL had to score in the 2^nd leg.

They were within touching distance of the semi-final as Văn Toàn opened the scoresheet right after the first half but couldn’t maintain it to the end.

With the first touch after coming off the bench, after a corner, Nguyễn Thành Chung scored in the 81^st minute and put an end to HAGL’s efforts.   

Moving on from ugly scenes in the first leg, both teams dedicated themselves to an enjoyable match with many chances created by both sides.

Despite missing coach Chu Đình Nghiêm and midfielder Phạm Thành Lương due to penalties from the first leg, Hà Nội FC still showed a dominant performance by creating dozens of chances in front of HAGL’s goal.

In the 9^th minute, Hoàng Vũ Samson stunned HAGL’s supporters with a bicycle kick but it missed the target.

In the following minutes, U23 Quang Hải and Hoàng Vũ Samson had several chances but couldn’t put the ball into the net.

Goalkeeper Tăng Tiến was HAGL’s best player in the first half, with 5 amazing saves including a powerful shot from Hà Nội’s Lê Văn Đại from outside the box.

11 shots in just 24 minutes showed Hà Nội’s overwhelming force. But without accuracy, none of them were converted into goals for the capital side.

The first half ended goalless.

U23 Văn Toàn surprised Hàng Đẫy stadium by scoring a beautiful goal after just 1 minute of the 2^nd half.

After receiving an assist from Riamrio, Văn Toàn skillfully passed Hà Nội’s defenders Đình Trọng and Duy Mạnh – two of Toàn’s teammates in the U23 National Team and beat goalkeeper Phí Minh Long with a ground shot to the right corner.

After the opening goal, HAGL moved to more defensive tactics.

Hà Nội still created many chances but HAGL’s defense played well.

Hà Nội’s efforts finally paid off in the 81^st minute as substitute Nguyễn Thành Chung scored a decisive goal with his back after a corner kick.

The match ended at 1-1.

With 3-3 draw on aggregate, Hà Nội FC won a place in the semi-final due to the away goals rule.

Also yesterday in another match, FLC Thanh Hóa won a ticket to the semi-final after a 1-1 draw with Bình Phước.

Vũ Minh Tuấn scored his first goal for Thanh Hóa in the 41^st minute before Trường Văn Tuấn equalized the scoresheet with a solo goal 35 minutes later.

Despite playing at Bình Phước Stadium as their home turf, Bình Phước couldn’t do better than a draw and had to say goodbye to the cup.

With a 3-1 win on aggregate, FLC Thanh Hóa continue the journey to their first ever National Football Cup trophy.

Defending champions Sông Lam Nghệ An are still putting on a good performance after defeating SHB Đà Nẵng in both legs to reach the semi-final.

Phan Văn Đức’s stunning header after a cross from Phạm Xuân Mạnh sealed the win for SLNA.

These two U23 National stars are playing an important role in coach Nguyễn Đức Thắng’s tactics.

SLNA are in the relegation zone in the V-League competition.

Facing 1-4 defeat on aggregate, SHB Đà Nẵng coach Nguyễn Minh Phương are still struggling with difficulties this season.

Becamex Bình Dương overwhelmed Sanna Khánh Hòa BVN on the way to the semi-final.

With a 3-1 win in the away leg and 4-1 win on aggregate, former runner-up Bình Dương are performing well this season.

Despite the good performance in V-League, Sanna Khánh Hòa showed a feeble performance and couldn’t do anything to stop Bình Dương reaching the semi-final. — VNS