Waiting for surprises from HCMC representatives

HOMEOWNER DETERMINED TO CREATE SURPRISE

In the group stage, the rare bright spot that Ton Duc Thang University showed was their sharp high balls, built on a squad of players with good physique. The goals they scored against Hue University or Quy Nhon University were all from crosses and headers. This will be the weapon the home team hopes to use to surprise the number one championship candidate - Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports.

Chờ bất ngờ từ các đại diện TP.HCM- Ảnh 1. — Ton Duc Thang University team ( *left* ) faces a big challenge in the quarterfinals

After the defeat in the group stage last season, Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports made an impressive comeback. The Central representative defeated Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (VNU-HCM) despite having to play the entire second half with one less player, then won against Van Hien University with a superior attacking style. In the final match, Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports only sent in the reserve team but still had a dramatic chase with a final score of 3-3 against a strong team, Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The "tick-tock" passing style of play, the one-touch situations and the extremely skillful individual handling of Nguyen Trinh Thai Binh, Nguyen Van Quoc Huy, Nguyen Tuong Vu, or the trio Le Trung Quoc, Phan Viet Cuong, Pham Nguyen Minh Quan (who used to train with the U.19 team) give the Da Nang University of Sports the strength approaching that of a professional team. The players are also very pragmatic, know how to control the rhythm of play, choose the right time to attack and defend to trap the opponent.

Facing a very strong opponent, Ton Duc Thang University is still determined to win the match at 5:45 pm today. Coach Nguyen Dinh Long shared: "We appreciate our opponent, but we have also prepared carefully. I encourage the players to go out on the field and fight with all their might and find joy. Hopefully, with the support of the home crowd, the team will make it happen."

THE HEROIC FIGHT OF TWO NEWCOMERS

In their first time participating in the tournament, Quy Nhon University team surpassed the veteran names to win the top spot in Group A. The representative of the South Central - Central Highlands played football naturally, devotedly and with a martial spirit. Coach Thai Binh Thuan's students have the typical simple character that Vietnamese student football always seeks, which is to play with all their heart, be ready to attack, impose the game and devote themselves with the enthusiasm of youth.

However, that innocence can also be dangerous for Quy Nhon University team, when the knockout nature of the quarter-finals forces the teams to play more calculatingly and tightly.

As for Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, in its first participation in the tournament, passing the group stage is commendable for coach Ta Hong Ha and his team. In the group stage, the representative of Ho Chi Minh City only showed some strength in defense, while in attack, the players still played disjointedly, lacking flexibility and cohesion. The attack line needs to improve its playing style to be able to surprise the opponent.