The final matches of the 2014 V-League season were played at stadiums across the country yesterday.

To finish in 3^rd place, SHB Da Nang had to beat the league’s leaders Binh Duong in an away match, and hope that 3^rd placed Thanh Hoa did not win at Ha Noi T&T.  In fact Thanh Hoa lost 5-2, but SHB DN’s creditable 1-1 draw away to the new 2014 V-League Champions left them just one goal away from gaining that 3^rd place.

In an exciting game, SHB DN opened the scoring in the 15^th minute thanks to defender Doan Hung Son’s accurate shot.  However, twelve minutes later, Binh Duong levelled the game with an incredible back-heeled goal by Dang Van Thanh.

SHB DN’s midfielder Hai Lam (15)

SHB DN then piled on the pressure to pull off the win.  They dominated the second half but unfortunately missed several scoring opportunities.  In particular, striker Bernardo had chances to score in the 47^th, 60^th, 72^nd and 84^th minutes, and in the 88^th minute, midfielder Valentic’s header struck the post.  One more goal would have done it, but SHB DN now have to accept their 4^th place finish.

In the other matches, Dong Nai were beaten 0-1 at home by Dong Tam Long An, whilst Song Lam Nghe An defeated An Giang 1-2 at the Long Xuyen Stadium.  Quang Ninh had a 2-0 home win over QNK Quang Nam, whilst Hai Phong suffered a 2-1 away loss to Hoang Anh Gia Lai at the Pleiku Stadium.

In the end, Binh Duong are the 2014 V-League champions with 49 points.  Ha Noi T&T finish second with 47 points, Thanh Hoa are 3^rd on 40, and SHB DN are 4^th on 39. 

Bottom-of-the-table An Giang will face a play off on Saturday 16 August against the team who finished 3^rd in the V-League 2, Can Tho, with the winners earning a ticket to the 2015 V-League.  The winners and runners up of V-League 2, Dong Thap and Khanh Hoa, have been automatically promoted for next season.