Becamex Binh Duong were crowned champions of the 2014 V-League with one match in hand after defeating hosts Dong Tam Long An 3-1 at Tan An Stadium on August 3.
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| Becamex Binh Duong win their third V-League title |
With 48 points after 21 matches played Binh Duong became the first team to win the title three times. Their previous titles were in 2007 and 2008. They beat their closest rival, Hanoi T&T, who suffered a 1-2 loss to hosts SHB Da Nang at Chi Lang Stadium yesterday by four points.
Football fans yesterday witnessed an exciting Round 23 with many surprises. The first surprise came from Hanoi T&T, one of two candidates for the championship title.
Hanoi T&T had a promising start with a goal by Hector in the 18th minute. The team were expected to win their match and keeping it a two-horse race for the title.
However, SHB Da Nang were not easy to conquer. A nightmare second half for Hanoi as Matías and Vu Phong repeatedly netted the ball in the 58th and 61st minutes to earn Da Nang a 2-1 win at home.
Contrary to that, Binh Duong had an explosive game playing guests to Dong Tam Long An.
Right from the first attack, Van Thanh with a precise finish defeated goalie Quoc Cuong to open the scoring for Binh Duong, just 15 seconds after the first whistle.
Dong Tam Long An players could not keep pace with the consecutive attacks from their guests. Binh Duong doubled the score in the 29th minute with Abass’s goal and the striker had his second goal just eight minutes after that.
Oseni narrowed the score in the added time of the first half but that was all that Coach Ngo Quang Sang’s players could do against a Binh Duong with their eyes on the title.
Binh Duong became new champions with 48 points while still having a game in hand. Hanoi T&T took second with 44 points after their unfortunate stumble.
A bonus of VND10 billion (US$470,000) from V-League organisers and sponsors will be handed over to the winners.
Da Nang's victory helped them earn an additional three points to compete for third position against Thanh Hoa, who yesterday beat Hung Vuong An Giang 1-0. Da Nang had 38 points, two less than Thanh Hoa.
In other matches the same day, Hai Phong beat Quang Ninh Coal 2-1, Song Lam Nghe An tied 0-0 with Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Quang Nam defeated Dong Nai 1-0.
The final round of this year’s V-League season will take place this weekend.
(Source:Nhan Dan)
