So that the former runner-up of the Water Resources University no longer has to 'cry'.

The haunting memory of losing two finals and being eliminated in the play-off round of the Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament, both on penalties, will be gone if the Water Resources University team prepares itself with the necessary composure for the 'big wave'.

Báo Thanh niên•30/12/2025

Water Resources University puts aside its sadness to make a comeback.

Last season's Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament brought disappointment to the Water Resources University team. Despite being the defending runner-up and playing the qualifying round at home, Coach Vu Van Trung's team succumbed to Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism in a penalty shootout.

Last year's qualifying round also witnessed the downfall of the defending champion, Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports, also due to a cruel defeat in the penalty shootout.

This shows that student football is always unpredictable. Even the strongest teams can be eliminated on a bad day, when their morale wavers at a crucial moment.

Để cựu á quân Trường ĐH Thủy lợi không còn phải 'khóc'- Ảnh 1. — The Water Resources University team must overcome the disappointment of last season's qualifying round.

Perhaps that's why the Water Resources University has returned to the 4th Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup (TNSV THACO Cup 2026) with a different mindset. Coach Vu Van Trung still has a very strong core team that has been together for four seasons of the student tournament. Duc Hoan and his teammates have won the championship before, but they have also tasted the bitter tears of defeat when they lost three penalty shootouts in the TNSV THACO Cup. The line between victory and defeat for the Water Resources University team has been decided three times by the unpredictable penalty shootout. That is a lesson that Coach Trung and his students must learn if they want to claim the championship for the first time.

In the TNSV THACO Cup 2026 qualifiers, the Water Resources University continued to have the home advantage. Playing on the grass they've been practicing on year-round gave Coach Trung's students extra confidence.

Winning convincingly to secure the ticket?

The Water Resources University is in Group 1 of Table A (northern region), competing against Hanoi University of Industry, Dai Nam University, and Phenikaa University. If they play to their full potential, Coach Vu Van Trung's team has the ability to advance with 9 points.

However, once they reach the qualifying rounds, no team wants to "go home" too early.

The opponents of the Water Resources University have all carefully studied the tactics of Hoang Danh and his teammates. Some teams have assembled early to prepare their physical and mental foundations, ready for the fierce competition.

Để cựu á quân Trường ĐH Thủy lợi không còn phải 'khóc'- Ảnh 2. — Water Resources University (in red shirts) will face Dai Nam University again in Group 1, Table A of the qualifying round.

Hanoi University of Industry is a formidable opponent. In last season's qualifying round, despite participating as a newcomer, Hanoi University of Industry reached the play-offs and caused many difficulties for the "giant" Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports. Their tight defensive style combined with fast counter-attacks, prioritizing direct and clean attacking play, made the Hanoi University of Industry team an unpredictable "rock," which the Hanoi University of Water Resources had to decipher right from the opening match.

Dai Nam University is preparing for its fourth season participating in the THACO Student Sports Cup. This is a very commendable effort. Although they have never reached the finals (they came very close at times, such as when they dragged Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports to a penalty shootout in the play-off round of the second season's qualifiers), they remain a formidable opponent thanks to their physical fitness and scientific playing style.

Finally, Phenikaa University is ready to become a "phenomenon" in its second return to the tournament. Having established its brand after investing in 5-a-side and 7-a-side courts, Phenikaa University is now striving to expand into 11-a-side football.

Last season, Phenikaa University defeated Hanoi University of Civil Engineering in their first appearance at the Vietnam Youth and Student Tournament, only to be eliminated after losing to Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports. Experience is a valuable asset and will help Phenikaa University achieve success despite being in a challenging group!