The 'steel' defense of Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism has not been penetrated yet.

Disciplined defense elevates Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism team

As a rookie in the Vietnam Youth Student Football Tournament, the Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism is an opponent that cannot be underestimated. Because coach Nguyen Cong Thanh and his team defeated the runner-up, Thuy Loi University, on penalties in the northern qualifying play-off match, thus creating the biggest shock in this year's tournament up to this point.

Coach Nguyen Cong Thanh has players who have trained professionally. For example, Ngan Nhu Dung, a midfielder who trained at the U.15, U.17 and U.19 Thanh Hoa levels, is a teammate of young star Nguyen Ngoc My, who is currently playing for Thanh Hoa Club in the V-League. In addition, Ha Lam Thanh, Ha Van Minh, and Ngan Hoang Phuc are all experienced thanks to their time training professionally.

Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism team drew 0-0 with Van Hien University in the opening match of Group B of TNSV THACO Cup 2025.

However, what makes the Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism team strong is the spirit of solidarity and collective play, not the individual level of each individual. The harmonious cohesion, especially in defense, is the factor that helped Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism draw 0-0 against Van Hien University on the opening day (taking place at 3:30 p.m. at Ton Duc Thang University). If they were luckier, the Central representative could have taken all 3 points to lead Group B.

Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism entered the match cautiously, with a deep defense. Coach Nguyen Cong Thanh asked his players to play slowly and steadily, to probe the opponent's strength, and to determine while playing which positions Van Hien University was strong in and where they tended to attack. The coach of Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism affirmed: "This is our first time participating in the tournament, so we don't know what it's like to play against our opponents. We have studied our opponents, but that's not enough to understand how Van Hien University will play. Therefore, the whole team must play cautiously and probe the situation, then calculate the playing style based on reality. Defend firmly and then take advantage of the best possible opportunities."

The defensive "diamond" of Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism once made the extremely strong attack of Thuy Loi University... give up. And the same scenario happened with Van Hien University, when the representative of Ho Chi Minh City continuously attacked, pressing the field to find a goal but could not find a way to Thatsaphone Xaiyasone's goal. Nhu Dung and his teammates covered tightly, layered, not opening even the smallest gap for the opponent to pass through.

The coaching staff of Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism has reasonable tactics.

Hidden Power

A good offense can win a game, but a good defense is the key to winning a tournament. However, finding an effective defense in a college setting with players who don't regularly train together is no easy task.

Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism is a rare team that possesses this solid shield. As the match progressed, while the opponent Van Hien University lost strength, Coach Nguyen Cong Thanh's students became stronger, attacking coherently and sharply to create opportunities.

"We highly appreciate Van Hien University's team, but we also have our own advantages and are well prepared. Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism has chosen the right time to put pressure. Unfortunately, during the time creating opportunities, the players could not take advantage of them," coach Nguyen Cong Thanh assessed.

Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism team missed 4 good scoring opportunities

"There are players who used to train, then quit professionally to go back to school. They are the core of the team. In addition, we also have students who do not train professionally, but have experience playing on a 7-a-side pitch. However, football is a team sport. Collective strength is the key to victory. We are at a disadvantage in terms of weather, because it is cold in the North, while it is hot in Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, the team arrived on February 26 to get used to it. Up to today, the players have adapted.

Although there are still situations where defenders do not receive the ball properly, or forward players do not handle the ball well, it is more difficult to demand from student players who do not have much time to practice regularly. The whole team will try to prepare for the upcoming matches."

In the second round of Group B taking place at 3:30 p.m. on March 3, Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism will face Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hang-thu-thep-cua-truong-dh-vh-tt-dl-thanh-hoa-chua-the-bi-xuyen-thung-185250302174546401.htm