A battle of wits

"Let's leave behind beautiful memories."

The play-off series kicks off with a clash between Quy Nhon University and the College of Foreign Trade Economics (3 PM). In the group stage, Quy Nhon University won all three matches, finishing first in Group 4, while the College of Foreign Trade Economics finished second in Group 2, being one of the two best-performing second-placed teams to qualify for the play-offs.

The Quy Nhon University team is highly regarded, having qualified for the finals last season. Under the guidance of coach Thai Binh Thuan , the Quy Nhon University team employs a suitable strategy against each opponent. The team's strengths lie in their tight play, excellent control of the game, and effective utilization of opportunities. Impressive players from the Quy Nhon University team in the group stage, promising to shine in the play-offs, include A Lam Ky, Ngo Nguyen Phuc, Ho Nhat Tri, and Truong Gia Huy.

Cuộc chiến cân não- Ảnh 1. — The Quy Nhon University team *(left)* previously qualified for the finals last season.

Meanwhile, the rookie team from the College of Foreign Trade Economics was assessed by Coach Thai Binh Thuan of Quy Nhon University: "Although they are rookies, they have a systematic playing style, showing that they have trained and prepared well. The College of Foreign Trade Economics team also has some good attacking players. In addition, they have a goalkeeper with ideal height who effectively defends against high balls."

"Coming to the TNSV THACO Cup this time, the entire Quy Nhon University team set a goal from the beginning to play every match like a final, including the play-off, with the same determination," said Coach Thai Binh Thuan. Coach Tran Ngoc Nho of the College of Foreign Trade Economics team shared: "The Quy Nhon University team is very strong. We have thoroughly studied this opponent and are ready for the match with the goal of achieving victory."

While expressing their determination to play a do-or-die match, the coaching staff of Quy Nhon University and the College of Foreign Trade Economics shared the same view of dedication and enjoyment, upholding the spirit of Fair Play - Fair Win - Fair Cheering of the tournament. "I told my Quy Nhon University players that we've been away from home for almost 20 days competing. This is certainly the longest trip of your student life. Take it as an honor, as motivation to compete for your team's colors. Above all, let's create beautiful memories on this trip," Coach Thai Binh Thuan expressed.

The former king is confident.

At 5 PM, the champions of season 2 (TNSV THACO Cup 2024), the Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports, were considered the favorites when they faced the host team, Ton Duc Thang University. Having defeated Ton Duc Thang University several times in 11-a-side matches, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports were confident going into the play-off. However, coach Pham Thai Vinh cautioned his players against complacency, emphasizing that each player must give their best on the field to achieve the most important goal: securing a place in the finals.

Meanwhile, Coach Nguyen Dinh Long of Ton Duc Thang University team shared: "Every team that reaches the play-off round has the strength and deserves to advance. I want to tell my players that they have gone through a year of hard training and have had a highly-rated performance in the group stage. Therefore, be brave and confident for the play-off match to achieve the goal that the whole team has set."