The day to decide who gets to the semi-finals.

Today, April 1st, the final group stage matches of the 2nd International Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2026, sponsored by THACO, will take place at Nha Trang University Stadium to determine the four teams that will advance to the semi-finals. The matches will be broadcast live on FPT Play and other platforms of Thanh Nien Newspaper.

Fire tests gold.

At 2 PM, the Group B match between the University of Water Resources and the University of Svay Rieng, Cambodia, took place. In this group, the National University of Singapore was eliminated after losing both of their matches. The semi-final spots were already secured by the University of Water Resources and the University of Svay Rieng, so this clash between the two teams determined the first and second place in the group. Both teams had 3 points, but the University of Svay Rieng had a better goal difference (4 compared to 2) than the University of Water Resources. Therefore, a draw against the defending champions of the TNSV THACO Cup 2026 would secure the top spot in Group B for the Cambodian team. With their opening match victory against the National University of Singapore (5-1), the University of Svay Rieng showed they were a formidable opponent. A highlight of the University of Svay Rieng's playing style was their seamless teamwork, excellent coordination, and highly effective finishing. The trio of Sary Taimou, Rith Tola, and Chea Navis performed outstandingly in attack with highly effective combinations. Sary Taimou, in particular, scored two goals and provided two assists in the opening match, making him a player the Water Resources University defense must keep a close eye on.

The National University of Malaysia team (9) only needs to win against Nha Trang University team with any score to win a ticket to the semi-finals.

PHOTO: DUY ANH

Meanwhile, although the Water Resources University team won 4-2 against the National University of Singapore, coach Vu Van Trung was not entirely satisfied as there were still some mistakes leading to two goals conceded, and adjustments are needed. However, the champions of the 2026 THACO Student Tournament still showed the potential for explosive performances from key players like Bui Xuan Truong and Nguyen Hoang Danh to achieve their ultimate goal of victory. The Svay Rieng University team from Cambodia will be a "high-stakes test" for the Water Resources University team's ambitions at the international Student Tournament.

Challenges test one's strength.

The final match of Group A, taking place at 4 PM, is a highly anticipated clash between the host team, Nha Trang University, and the National University of Malaysia. The situation in Group A remains undecided, with all three teams still having a chance to advance to the semi-finals: Nha Trang University (3 points, goal difference 2), University of Laos (3 points, goal difference -1), and National University of Malaysia (0 points, goal difference -1). Nha Trang University has the biggest advantage, needing to avoid losing by more than 3 goals against the Malaysian team in the final match to secure their place. National University of Malaysia will advance to the semi-finals if they beat Nha Trang University by any score, while University of Laos, having completed two matches, will advance if the Malaysian team fails to beat the host team or wins by more than 3 goals.

The morale of the Nha Trang University team is very high after their impressive opening match victory against the University of Laos. The team from the coastal city also officially has the professional support of Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan, former Vietnam U23 coach, in the role of Technical Director. Upon agreeing to work alongside the student team from his hometown, Mr. Tuan, along with coach Nguyen Anh Tu, has provided close guidance on tactics and training in various strategies, preparing them for the match against the National University of Malaysia. Ho Thanh Phuoc and Nguyen Thanh Tay are expected to maintain their high performance from the opening match. In addition, the Nha Trang University players promise to demonstrate strong teamwork and create a solid defensive system. The support of the home crowd is also a huge motivation for coach Nguyen Anh Tu and his team in this crucial match for qualification.

Despite losing their opening match against the University of Laos, the National University of Malaysia team showed great potential. With a squad of players possessing good physique, stamina, and technique, the National University of Malaysia players, with no other option, will try every means to break through the defense of the home team, Nha Trang University.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngay-dinh-doat-suat-ban-ket-185260331211431391.htm