Matches in the 2014 National Cup took place at stadiums across the country on Sunday afternoon.  As expected, some of the nation’s top football clubs easily notched up wins in their matches.

SHB Da Nang beat the TDCS Dong Thap 5-2 in an exciting match at the Chi Lang Stadium.  SHB DN made a great start thanks to a powerful shot from their Brazilian striker Bernardo in the 7^th minute.  Then, an own goal by young striker Ho Ngoc Thang in the 25^th minute doubled the lead to 2-0.  However, the joy was short-lived as a goal by Dong Thap’s Thanh Hien in the 34^th minute brought the score to 2-1.  By the end of the first half, goals by midfielder Quoc Anh and striker Ngoc Thang in the 35^th and 45^th minutes respectively allowed the home team to end the half with a 4-1 lead. 

SHB DN’s striker Ngoc Thang (right)

A mistake by the hosts allowed the visiting team’s Minh Loi to narrow the gap in the 72^nd minute.  Finally, SHB DN’s Ngoc Thang completed his impressive hat-trick in the 79^th minute, giving his team a dramatic win and a place in the quarterfinals.

In the other matches, Hoang Anh Gia Lai beat Dong Nai 5-1 at home, whilst Hai Phong had a 2-0 away win over Can Tho, and Quang Ninh beat Sana Khanh Hoa 2-1 at home.  Meanwhile, Ha Noi T&T suffered a disappointing 5-3 penalty shoot-out home defeat to Dak Lak at the Hang Day Stadium.  Surprisingly, Thanh Hoa were beaten by the home team Dong Tam Long An 2-3 despite their stronger squad.  In the last match of this round, Binh Duong will play away to Song Lam Nghe An at the Vinh Stadium tomorrow.

In the quarterfinals, on 10 and 11 June, the matches are Hai Phong v QNK Quang Nam, Dong Tam Long An v Dak Lak, Quang Ninh v Hoang Anh Gia Lai, and SHB DN will meet either Binh Duong or Song Lam Nghe An.