Hanoi (VNA) - Viettel won the V.League 1 championship in a dramaticfinale on November 8, thanks to a 1-0 win over Sai Gon FC.
Thetriumph marks a return to the top for one of the country’s most storied teams,who had a record 18 top-flight triumphs in their previous incarnation as The Cong(or Military Team) but fell from grace and endured several years in thelower divisions before returning to the highest level of local football justlast year.
CoachTruong Viet Hoang's men came into the match knowing they would have to equal orbetter Hanoi FC’s result against Quang Ninh Coal, as the defending championswere a mere two points behind at kick-off on November 8.
WhileViettel had more to play for, Sai Gon started brightly at Thong Nhat Stadium,determined to be more than a bystander at Viettel’s coronation.
Thefirst goal of the day came in Quang Ninh, where Nguyen Quang Hai put Hanoi FCahead and his side into first position about 12 minutes in, but their leaguetable lead wouldn’t last long.
Justfive minutes later, Viettel’s Brazilian forward Bruno Cunha scored the decisivegoal with a superb far post header after a delicious free-kick delivery frommidfield starlet Nguyen Hoang Duc.
Viettelhad another pair of chances in the first half, with the best falling to Vu MinhTuan, but his tame effort was easily saved.
Justbefore the intermission in Quang Ninh, Hanoi FC’s Nguyen Van Quyet doubledhis side’s advantage, putting the pressure firmly on Viettel to hold strong anddefend their slender lead.
Inthe second half, Hanoi FC cruised to a 4-0 win over Quang Ninh who hadnothing to play for, while Viettel were made to sweat it out right to the finalminutes.
Whilethe second half was a tight affair and Viettel were unable to get a second goaland some daylight, in truth Sai Gon offered little attacking threat, barsome half-chances through set pieces and crosses.
Asthe final minutes ticked down Viettel did what they’ve done so well all season,namely defend with poise and comfort, as star defenders Bui Tien Dung andQue Ngoc Hai formed an impregnable rearguard.
Whenthe full-time whistle went players, fans and coaches alike erupted intocelebrations that undoubtedly went long into the night, as the country’s moststoried team had secured their first title in 22 years./.
VNA