'Dark horse' regrettably stops

On the afternoon of March 11th, the Quy Nhon University team faced the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team in the quarter-finals of the 3rd Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2025, sponsored by THACO . This was a highly anticipated match between two newcomers. The Ho Chi Minh City team was participating in the finals for the first time and had previously attracted attention by defeating the defending champions, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports, in the qualifying round in the decisive play-off match. Meanwhile, the Quy Nhon University team was a completely new name in this year's tournament, making their debut but already reaching the knockout round.

In the quarter-final match, the Quy Nhon University team conceded a goal very early on. As early as the 3rd minute, the team representing the South Central and Central Highlands regions was unable to find an equalizer. Ultimately, the rookie team, considered a "dark horse," suffered a 0-1 defeat and unfortunately bowed out in the quarter-finals.

The Quy Nhon University team (right), in their first participation in the tournament, made a strong impression by advancing through the qualifying rounds and reaching the quarterfinals.

Head coach Thai Binh Thuan of Quy Nhon University shared after the match: "I, like the whole team, am quite disappointed with the result of the match. We were not inferior to the opponent. However, the opposing team took advantage of their opportunities better. Quy Nhon University conceded quite early, so the players became impatient under pressure to find an equalizer, resulting in less sharp attacking situations. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry scored early, so they took the initiative, dropping deep to play solid defense."

According to Mr. Thuan, the Quy Nhon University team was eliminated in the quarterfinals, but they still had a successful season in the national competition. The head coach of the Quy Nhon University team affirmed that they need to prepare for the future, when the team will undergo significant changes. "Currently, we have our strongest squad. But after this tournament, more than half of the team, including the core players of the Quy Nhon University team, will graduate. Therefore, we need to prepare a new squad for the next season. Whether the new players will be of quality in the upcoming selection rounds is still unknown," Coach Binh Thuan said.

The Quy Nhon University team conceded a goal too early and were unable to turn the tide of the match.

"I want to tell the whole team that you have all tried your best and should take pride in that. This tournament is very professional and highly competitive, with many teams from across the country competing. Therefore, the fact that Quy Nhon High School team became one of the top 8 teams in the tournament is already a success. As the tournament slogan says, 'Play beautifully - Win beautifully - Cheer beautifully,' my team and I have achieved that," Mr. Thuan added.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngua-o-dung-buoc-dang-tiec-185250311181949553.htm