Almost regretted replacing the 'bombing king'

The strength of the Hanoi School of Physical Education and Sports team

The Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports team has entered the semi-finals after defeating Van Hien University with a score of 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the 3rd Vietnam Youth Student Football Tournament - 2025 THACO Cup (TNSV THACO Cup 2025).

For the first time in 3 years of participating in the tournament, coach Pham Minh and his team have entered the top 4 teams. Meanwhile, for Van Hien University, this is the third consecutive time that the team has stopped at the quarterfinals. Last season, coach Hoang Hai Duong and his team lost on penalties to Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports. This season, they lost to Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports.

Trường ĐH Sư phạm TDTT Hà Nội: Suýt ôm hận vì thay 'vua dội bom'- Ảnh 1. — Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports (blue shirt) entered the semi-finals

With the advantage of human quality, along with a solid and effective control style of play, Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports completely controlled the game. The Northern representative attacked continuously in the middle, inspired by captain Vu Hai Tien (number 10), along with good pressing and running strikers such as Vu Viet Hoang (number 17) and Duong Tat Thanh (number 9).

Recognizing Viet Hoang and Hai Tien as the two most dangerous explosives on the opponent's side, Van Hien University defended to lock both of them down. However, with his technique and skillful shielding ability, Hai Tien still easily slipped past to spark smooth attacks on the flanks and in the middle.

While Van Hien University defended passively, Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports chose the right time to strike, which was the end of the first half (when the opponent was tired) and the beginning of the second half (when the opponent had not yet caught the rhythm). Viet Hoang's two goals in the 40th and 43rd minutes both came from the typical coordination of Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports: fast, neat, direct and not roundabout. Number 17 of Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports has scored 5 goals since the beginning of the tournament and has a great chance to become the top scorer.

Almost regretted at the last minute

However, coach Pham Minh's decision to replace Vu Viet Hoang from the field created a turning point for Van Hien University in the second half.

Without the striker who is good at pressing and scoring goals, Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports lost control of the game. Substitute Do Minh Tu, although scoring a goal, could not connect the play as well as his senior. When the opponent no longer had their number one striker, Van Hien University took risks to push up in the last 20 minutes and continuously created scoring opportunities.

Trường ĐH Sư phạm TDTT Hà Nội: Suýt ôm hận vì thay 'vua dội bom'- Ảnh 2. — Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports team was pressured in the final minutes.

Vo Tran Hoang Phuc's header in the 61st minute ignited the fighting spirit of Van Hien University, while Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports struggled to defend. Coach Pham Minh had to urge his players to rush forward to get the ball, instead of retreating, allowing the opponent to freely coordinate.

The last 10 minutes of the match saw Van Hien University "bounce" the ball high into Hoang Tuan Duc's goal. However, the fighting spirit after many years of competing in student tournaments helped Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports maintain a fragile 1-goal gap, thereby entering the semi-finals.

"I'm happy to contribute to the team's victory. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling well today and feel a bit sluggish due to a cold," striker Viet Hoang shared.

In the semi-finals, Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports will compete with Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports. "We have never faced each other in a student tournament. The opponent is very strong, so the team must carefully study the playing style. I have watched Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports compete and hope to have a good match in the semi-finals," Viet Hoang affirmed.