VAR intervenes, Ninh Bình struggles past PVF-CAND

(Football result) - Ninh Bình laboriously overcame PVF-CAND with a 3-2 score, thereby securing a ticket to the semifinals of the National Cup 2025/2026.

Right after the opening whistle, Ninh Bình proactively controlled the match situation and continuously organized attacks towards PVF-CAND's goal. The early pressure was concretized in the 29th minute when Truong Tien Anh delivered an awkward cross, the ball deflected off a defender's leg and flew into the net, opening the score for the home team.

However, PVF-CAND did not take much time to respond. In the 34th minute, from a chaotic situation in the penalty area, Eid seized the opportunity to finish close-range, equalizing the score 1-1. The remaining minutes of the first half proceeded evenly, as both teams created additional opportunities but could not successfully capitalize.

Moving into the second half, Ninh Bình increased pressure and regained the lead in the 67th minute thanks to a superb free-kick by Geovane from a distance of 25m. Nevertheless, PVF-CAND continued to show resilience when Nguyen Vu Tin unleashed a beautiful curling shot in the 83rd minute, equalizing 2-2.

The drama escalated to a climax in the added minutes. After many pressing attacks, Gia Hung put the ball into PVF-CAND's net in the 90+3 minute. Although initially flagged for offside, the goal was still recognized after VAR intervention, sealing a hard-fought 3-2 victory for Ninh Bình.

90 + 10 Full time, Ninh Bình 3-2 PVF-CAND

90 + 3 Gooooooooo

Continuous shots towards PVF-CAND's goal and Gia Hung was the one who put the ball into the net, raising the score to 3-2 for Ninh Bình. Although the assistant referee considered the goal invalid due to an offside violation, with the support of VAR, the main referee still recognized the crucial goal for Ninh Bình.

88' Excellent defense

Fred of Ninh Bình had two consecutive finishing situations within just minutes but either were blocked by PVF-CAND defenders or were resolved by goalkeeper Sy Huy.

83' Goooo.

After a ball contest near Ninh Bình's penalty area, the ball reached Nguyen Vu Tin's feet and he unleashed a classy curling shot defeating Van Lam, equalizing for PVF-CAND.

79' Not successful

Chaotic situation in PVF-CAND's 16.5m area. The ball found Gia Hung's position but the Ninh Bình striker was startled and could not unleash a finishing shot.

70' Goal not recognized

Thanh Nhan unleashed a shot that scorched Van Lam's net but the referee, after waiting for VAR officials' consultation, did not recognize the goal. The reason was due to an offside violation by Anh Quân on PVF-CAND's side.

67' Goooo

Geovane unleashed a superb free-kick from about 25m distance, raising the score to 2-1 for Ninh Bình.

65' Increasing pressure

Ninh Bình is pushing up the attacking tempo but PVF-CAND's defense is still holding firm.

54' Still not successful

Geovane skillfully controlled the ball and unleashed a very powerful shot, the ball narrowly missed PVF-CAND's goal.

48' Not in

Ninh Bình coordinated orderly on the left flank and had a cross into the box, the ball reached Geovane's feet and the Ninh Bình foreign player unleashed a decisive shot but the ball found the post.

46' Second half begins

45' + 1 End of first half, Ninh Bình 1-1 PVF-CAND

34' Goooo, 1-1 for PVF-CAND

From an awkward cross from the right flank, the Ninh Bình defender cleared poorly, creating an opportunity for striker Eid to finish and score past Van Lam.

29' Goooo, 1-0 for Ninh Bình

Truong Tien Anh bravely surged forward on the right flank and crossed inside. The ball deflected off a PVF-CAND defender's leg and went straight into the net.

26' Unsuccessful

Two consecutive finishing attempts by Geovane right before the 5.5m area but both were blocked by PVF-CAND defenders.

20' Not in

Nguyen Vu Tin unleashed an extremely decisive left-footed shot but the ball narrowly missed Ninh Bình's goal.

11' Not successful

Gustavo had a fairly open opportunity facing PVF-CAND's goal, but the Ninh Bình striker's shot was too tame and was fully caught by goalkeeper Do Sy Huy.

5' Entering enthusiastically

Ninh Bình quickly controlled the match situation and organized continuous attacks towards PVF-CAND's goal.

1' Match begins

Starting lineup of PVF-CAND:

Starting lineup of Ninh Bình:

When does Ninh Bình vs PVF-CAND play, where to watch live?

• Time: 18:00 today 21/3
• Location: Ninh Bình Stadium
• Competition: Quarterfinals of the National Cup 2025/26
• Live on: F PT Play

Notable information before the match Ninh Bình vs PVF-CAND:

Ninh Bình enters the quarterfinals of the National Cup in a context of worrying form having gone 5 consecutive matches without knowing victory in V.League. The poor results streak not only caused the team to fall back on the standings but also made the internal atmosphere tense. Straightforward statements from interim coach Vu Tien Thang further showed the pressure weighing on the whole team.

Nevertheless, the National Cup opens an opportunity for Ninh Bình to relieve pressure and regain confidence. Against an opponent rated lower, the goal of securing a ticket to the semifinals is entirely feasible. A victory would not only help them advance deeper in this arena but also create a morale boost before returning to the harsh grind of V.League.

On the other side, PVF-CAND is experiencing a difficult season as they stand bottom of the standings. The dismal performance makes this young team unlikely to fully focus on the National Cup. Under coach Tran Tien Dai, they have yet to create a clear impression, especially after the round of 16 when their play still lacks stability and effectiveness.

However, football always contains unexpected elements and PVF-CAND is not without opportunities. In a position of having nothing left to lose, they could completely opt for an open style of play aiming to create surprises. If they utilize opportunities well and maintain concentration, the visiting team is capable of causing difficulties, even creating a shock in the quarterfinals.

Expected lineup Ninh Bình vs PVF-CAND

• Ninh Bình:Van Lam, Bao Toan, Quang Nho, Marcelino, Ngoc Toan, Thanh Thinh, Tien Anh, Hoang Chien, Duc Chien, Friday, Gustavo.
• PVF-CAND:Minh Long, Duc Anh, Ly Duc, Lucas Henrique, Bao Long, Anh Quan, Xuan Bac, Alatair, Mpande, Ba Dat, Samson.