The final of the U21 National Football Championship 2024: LPBank HAGL crowned champions
After a 0-0 draw in regular time, U21 LPBank HAGL overcame the host team U21 PVF with a score of 4-2 in the penalty shootout to win the U21 National Championship 2024.
13/08/2024 09:10:16
In Group A, U21 LPBank HAGL only advanced as the third-best team with the highest points. However, they continued to surprise by reaching the final. While LPBank HAGL defeated Quang Nam in the semifinals on penalties, U21 PVF also overcame Dong A Thanh Hoa after a tense shootout. It’s worth noting that PVF was the runner-up in Group A (behind The Cong Viettel), while LPBank HAGL was third, despite both teams having 4 points. In the group stage, their clash ended in a 1-1 draw.
Given their familiarity with each other, both coach Trịnh Duy Quang and his counterpart Nguyễn Duy Đông approached the match with caution. With players from V.League such as Đức Việt, Văn Việt, goalkeeper Trung Kiên, and those from the First Division like Hoàng Minh and Lý Đức, LPBank HAGL had a slight edge over the host team. However, clear-cut chances were scarce. For example, Quốc Việt faced a one-on-one situation but was thwarted as the opposition quickly regrouped. Similarly, Hoàng Minh’s shot went off target following a careless mistake by Lê Phát.
The first half ended with a 0-0 scoreline, and the same scenario continued for the first ten minutes of the second half. U21 PVF began to make adjustments in their attacking play, with one of the standout players being Lê Phát. Unfortunately, the forward’s finishing was not accurate. On the other side, Quốc Việt had a lackluster performance and was substituted in the 71st minute. Coach Nguyễn Duy Đông’s team had the upper hand but still struggled to make the final passes count.
LPBank HAGL dropped back and played a defensive counter-attacking game. Coach Trịnh Duy Quang’s strategy nearly faltered after a surprising move by Lê Phát. From a very tight angle, the host team’s forward turned and took a shot. Fortunately, goalkeeper Trung Kiên made a crucial save. As the game progressed, PVF intensified their pressure by pushing up their formation and trying to control the central area. The host team achieved their goal of dominating the game, with PVF’s wingers finding space to exploit. However, Lê Phát and his teammates lacked creativity in the final moments.
In the final minutes, LPBank HAGL brought on the tall forward Đinh Quang Kiệt, hoping for an advantage in aerial balls, but nothing changed. With a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of regular time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Showing greater composure, U21 HAGL successfully converted 4 out of their penalties, while Lê Phát and Quang Anh missed theirs. Winning 4-2, U21 LPBank HAGL claimed the top spot in the 2024 U21 National Football Championship. This is their second title in the tournament’s history, following their victory in 2017.
