The 'unknowns' begin to emerge

HOME OWNER INTRODUCTION

Ton Duc Thang University team participated in the tournament as the host, so they were given special privileges to go straight to the final round of TNSV THACO cup 2025. In the 2024 season, the home team still wants to participate in the qualifying round in Ho Chi Minh City to screen the force, prepare in terms of tactics and compete. However, in this year's season, coach Nguyen Dinh Long and his team have "hidden the army" carefully and are only waiting to be introduced to fans at the final round. Therefore, Ton Duc Thang University team is currently considered the biggest "unknown" in the tournament, having not played any matches. In the journey to prepare for the final round, Ton Duc Thang University team only "tested the fire" with some teams that did not participate in the tournament.

In addition, the Ton Duc Thang University team has many changes compared to last season, so it is difficult for the opponent to grasp the situation. At this time, the Ton Duc Thang University team has a big advantage before the opening match against Tra Vinh University at 4 p.m. Coach Nguyen Dinh Long said: "Our goal in this final round is to reach the final of the TNSV THACO cup 2025, so we must enter the field with the highest determination and ability to gain an advantage right from the first match. The Ton Duc Thang University team also plays at home with the cheers of thousands of fans. This is a great encouragement in terms of spirit, and we need to take advantage of this to achieve good results."

Hôm nay khai mạc VCK: Những 'ẩn số' bắt đầu lộ diện- Ảnh 1. — Ton Duc Thang University team *(left)* plays the opening match at the final round

Hôm nay khai mạc VCK: Những 'ẩn số' bắt đầu lộ diện- Ảnh 2. — Ton Duc Thang University team *(right)* plays the opening match of group A with Tra Vinh University team.

On the other hand, Tra Vinh University is an excellent representative of the Southwest region and is a familiar face at the THACO Cup TNSV Finals. Coach Tram Quoc Nam's team will face many disadvantages in the opening match, when they are almost "blind to information" about their opponents. However, this is also the time for Tra Vinh University to show their mettle. The person expected to speak up at the right time to help the Western team overcome difficulties is captain Cao Lu Minh Thuan (top scorer in the Southwest region qualifying round with 6 goals).

INTERESTING CONFRONTATION

The second match of the opening day is equally exciting, when the champion of the first season (2023) Hue University faces the "brand new" team Quy Nhon University (winning a ticket to the final round in the first time participating in the tournament), at 6:00 p.m. This match promises to be very exciting, as both teams bring a burning desire to the final round. For Hue University, the ancient capital team wants to regain the position of the former champion, after stopping right from the qualifying round in the previous season. Meanwhile, Quy Nhon University wants to continue to make its mark in its debut in the national student football playground, after creating a big surprise in the qualifying round of the South Central and Central Highlands regions.

Assistant coach Duong Van Dung of Hue University said: "As I said before, we respect all opponents, and especially appreciate rookie teams, like Quy Nhon University. In their first appearance, they played quite impressively in the qualifying round and won tickets to the finals. When facing strong opponents, we will have a basis for research in advance, thereby outlining a plan to approach the match. Meanwhile, Quy Nhon University is a new name, which can be considered an unknown in this tournament. Therefore, the opening match against rookie Quy Nhon University is predicted to have many challenges and obstacles waiting for Hue University. However, Hue University's goal in this match is to at least get points, to easily calculate for the road ahead."