SHB Da Nang progressed into the semi-finals of the Vietnamese National Cup 2013 after an easy 3-0 home win over the 2013 First Division Champions QNK Quang Nam at the Chi Lang Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

SHB DN started the game with young players, including Anh Khoa, Quach Tan, Anh Tuan and Duc Le, whilst Merlo, Minh Phuong, Hung Son and Quoc Anh were all on the substitutes’ bench.

In contrast, QNK QN fielded all their key players, including goalkeeper Xuan Nam, defender Trong Binh, midfielder Cao Xuan Thang, and strike duo Dinh Thanh Trung and Nicolas Hernandez. 

SHB DN’s striker Merlo scoring his second

Although SHB DN dominated the opening exchanges, there was no goal for the home side until their coach, Le Huynh Duc, decided to bring their key players into the match.  Thanks to the adjustment of the team's defensive and counter-attack tactics, first-half substitutes Merlo and Quoc Anh helped the home side finally take the lead in the game.    

Merlo opened the scoring in the 49^th minute after receiving Nguyen Sa’s accurate pass.  Then, Quoc Anh scored the second goal in the 50^th minute with a sensational free kick from 25m.  Seven minutes later, Anh Tuan provided a perfect pass to Merlo who beat QN’s goalkeeper Xuan Nam and gave his team a convincing win.

There was a surprising result in yesterday’s other game when Hanoi T&T, who were top of the V-League until just 2 weeks ago, were defeated 2-1 by bottom of the table Long An.

The semi-finals of the National Cup will take place on 7 August when SHB DN will play away to Dong Nai, and Dong Tam Long An will meet Ninh Binh.

SHB DN’s next match is in the V-League on Sunday, away to current leaders Hoang Anh Gia Lai.  Two weeks ago they took over the top spot from the then leaders Hanoi T&T, and they have the chance to do exactly the same again by beating HAGL.