>>> Nam Dinh FC eliminate Hoang Anh Gia Lai from National Cup
The last 16 clash at Thong Nhat Stadium did not live up to expectations with poor quality performances, as the two favourite strikers, Ha Duc Chinh (SHB Da Nang) and Nguyen Cong Phuong (HCM City), played below par.
Duc Chinh suffered an injury and left the pitch in the first half, while Cong Phuong only came off the bench in the second half. HCM City emerged as the better side during the 90 minutes of play, but few opportunities were created by either team, leaving the match to be decided on penalties.
Late in the second half, HCM City manager Chung Hae-seong made a key change by sending substitute goalie Bui Tien Dung onto the field to replace Thanh Thang, with one eye on the penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung celebrates with teammates after the match. (Photo: Tuoitre.vn)
Responding to Chung’s decision, Tien Dung delivered a brilliant showing, successfully blocking two penalty kicks by SHB Da Nang players to send HCM City through to the quarter finals with a 3-2 victory.
Shining brightly between the posts, Bui Tien Dung showed that his penalty saving ability has never faded away. Furthermore, this will help the 23-year-old goalkeeper regain confidence after making a series of mistakes for the Vietnam U23 side in recent times.
Next up for Chung Hae-seong’s troops is the quarterfinal clash with First Division newbies Ba Ria-Vung Tau, who continued to shock everyone by beating V.League powerhouses Song Lam Nghe An 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes.
First Division newbies Ba Ria-Vung Tau have claimed two consecutive wins against V.League teams. (Photo: Vnexpress)
Earlier in the preliminary round, Tran Minh Chien’s side also produced a big surprise with a 2-1 triumph over V.League team Saigon FC, a result that hardly anyone forecasted.
The match between Quang Ninh Coal and Nam Dinh FC was also decided via the penalty spot following a 2-2 tie, with the former emerging as the 5-4 victors.
Viettel FC made light work of An Giang FC 2-0 to see them safely through to the National Cup quarterfinals.
The remaining four Round of 16 matches will take place today (May 31), featuring Becamex Binh Duong-Thanh Hoa FC, Can Tho FC-Binh Phuoc FC, Hanoi FC-Dong Thap FC, and Quang Nam FC-Ha Tinh FC.
