National Cup set for a roaring start

Hosts Hoa Phat Ha Noi will clash against Military Zone 5 in the first knock-out round of the National Cup at Hang Day Stadium in Ha Noi today (12-31-2005).

The Hanoian team, who placed ninth in this year”s V-League, will play newly signed Brazilian Antonio Fernaldo along with Andre Luiz Baracho, Williams De Olivera Santos and Vacner Fernando De Oliveira as forwards, while former national team player Pham Nhu Thuan bolsters the defence.

Meanwhile, Ha Noi team LG-Ha Noi-ACB will play against Military Zone 4 at the same stadium tomorrow.

The National Cup this year has attracted 13 V-League and 14 First Division teams, competing in a knock-out competition.

Last year”s semi-finalists Gach Dong Tam Long An (GDT-LA) Mitsustar Hai Phong, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HA-GL) and Khatoco Khanh Hoa will get wildcards in the second round.

At Thanh Hoa Stadium, dark horse Halida Thanh Hoa will meet The Cong Viettel, or the Army team in an expected tough match during the first round.

The Cong, who were relegated from the V-League last year, are hoping for a win away from home turf.

Last year the Army team played a disappointing season, failing to return to the V-League when they placed sixth.

New V-League entrants Pomina Steel Tien Giang will play against An Giang at Long Xuyen Stadium.

At Thu Dau Mot Stadium, V-League Binh Duong, who have signed a US$250,000 sponsorship contract with foodstuff producer Uni-President, host First Division HCM City-based Da My Nghe.

In a friendly match in preparation for the cup on Wednesday, Binh Duong edged HA-GL 4-3, which could help them gain a win at home against the HCM City side.

Other matches set for tomorrow include, Quang Nam vs Pjico Song Lam Nghe An; Huda Hue host Da Nang; Mikako Nam Dinh play against Lottery Da Lat-Lam Dong and Dong Nai clash with Dong Thap.

Southern Steel Sai Gon Port will play their first match of the new football season at homeground Thong Nhat Stadium where they meet Tay Ninh.

At Thanh Long Sports Centre, youth team HCM City football club will play against Hoa Lam Kymco Binh Dinh.

The cup winner will pocket a cash prize of VND250 million (over $15,700), while the runner will get VND125 million the sum.

Two semi-final losers will vie for the third place prize money of VND50 million.

Last year, new V-League champions GDT-LA crushed Mitsustar Haier Hai Phong 5-0 to win the National Cup at Long An Stadium.

The two teams will also play in the National Super Izzi Cup on New Year”s Day at Hai Phong”s Lach Tray Stadium tomorrow.