Coach Vu Van Trung sets big goals for the University of Water Resources team in the final round.

The first play-off match in the northern qualifying round of the 2nd Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup 2024 concluded with a dominant 4-0 victory for the Water Resources University team against the National Economics University team. Coach Vu Van Trung's players dominated the game, scoring four goals against their opponents, thus securing their place in the finals held in Ho Chi Minh City from March 16th to 31st.

The Water Resources University team had a very impressive qualifying campaign, winning all their matches and scoring 12 goals against the teams from Phuong Dong University, Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports, and National Economics University.

HLV Vũ Văn Trung đặt mục tiêu lớn cho đội Trường ĐH Thủy lợi ở VCK- Ảnh 1. — The Water Resources University team secured a spot in the finals.

"I feel very happy because in just 4 days, the Water Resources University team has achieved two very important victories. The players have excellently fulfilled their mission, which is to show the spirit of 'Water Resources University people' in every match and against every opponent. In this match, we faced the National Economics University team. That's a familiar opponent that the Water Resources University team has competed against many times in school tournaments, in the knockout rounds."

"I told my players to play with the same spirit they showed in the previous match against the Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports team. The players did just that," Coach Vu Van Trung shared.

Highlights: Water Resources University 4-0 National Economics University | THACO Cup 2024 Student Union - Play-off

According to the coach who has been involved with the Water Resources University football team for over two decades, the victory he is most proud of in the qualifying round was the 1-0 win of the Water Resources University team against the Bac Ninh Sports Training School team. That match helped the defending runner-up break the deadlock and advance to the play-off round.

Then, with their spirits high, the Water Resources University team defeated their familiar opponent, the National Economics University, to secure a place in the final round.

HLV Vũ Văn Trung đặt mục tiêu lớn cho đội Trường ĐH Thủy lợi ở VCK- Ảnh 2. — Coach Vu Van Trung celebrated wildly with his players.

"Before the draw for the qualifying round of the 2nd Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2024, I already sensed the intensity of the qualifying rounds. With the very positive ripple effect from the first season, the number of teams registering for this year's tournament has increased by 1.5 times, reaching 64 teams. We understand that the 2024 northern qualifying round will be more difficult because there are 9 teams participating but only 2 spots will be selected."

In Group 1, the Water Resources University team had to face a very strong opponent, the Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports team. The pressure was immense, but the Water Resources University players were used to it. I always told my players to work hard, train, and train, to hone their skills, and we were fortunate enough to squeeze through this very narrow gap together," Coach Vu Van Trung shared.

Having reached the finals of the 2023 season, only losing to Hue University on penalties, Coach Vu Van Trung of the Water Resources University team wants his players to continue achieving a high ranking in this year's tournament.

"The Water Resources University team has participated in many student tournaments and even reached the finals of the first Vietnam Youth Student Football Tournament in 2023. For the upcoming finals in Ho Chi Minh City, we aim to take each match one at a time, strategizing as we go, and aiming for a prize (i.e., finishing in the top 3)," Mr. Trung affirmed.

"The players of the Water Resources University team have been honed through many finals matches in 2023. Entering 2024, I believe my students have matured. The new players have integrated well with their seniors. I believe that in the upcoming finals in Ho Chi Minh City, the Water Resources University team will demonstrate confidence, resilience, and determination to give their all in the competition."