The 'unknowns' are beginning to surface.

OWNER LAUNCHES

The Ton Duc Thang University team participated in the tournament as the host team, thus automatically qualifying for the 2025 THACO Cup Finals. In the 2024 season, the host team still wanted to participate in the Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers to select players, prepare tactically, and gain experience. However, this season, Coach Nguyen Dinh Long and his team have kept their strength under wraps, waiting to make their debut in the Finals. Therefore, the Ton Duc Thang University team is currently considered the biggest "unknown quantity" in the tournament, having not yet played a single match. In their preparation for the Finals, the Ton Duc Thang University team only "tested their mettle" against a few teams not participating in the tournament.

Furthermore, the Ton Duc Thang University team has undergone many changes compared to the previous season, making it difficult for opponents to predict their strategy. Currently, the Ton Duc Thang University team holds a significant advantage going into their opening match against Tra Vinh University at 4 PM. Coach Nguyen Dinh Long stated: "Our goal in this final round is to reach the final of the TNSV THACO Cup 2025, so we must go into the game with the utmost determination and ability to gain an advantage from the very first match. The Ton Duc Thang University team also has the advantage of playing at home with the support of thousands of fans. This is a great morale boost, and we need to make good use of this to achieve a good result."

The Ton Duc Thang University team (left) plays the opening match at the Finals.

The Ton Duc Thang University team (right) played their opening match in Group A against the Tra Vinh University team.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH - DUY TAN

On the other hand, Tra Vinh University's team is an outstanding representative of the Southwest region and a familiar face at the THACO Cup Finals. Coach Tram Quoc Nam's team will face many disadvantages in their opening match, as they are almost completely uninformed about their opponent. However, this is also an opportunity for Tra Vinh University to show their mettle. The player expected to step up at the right moment to help the team from the West overcome difficulties is captain Cao Lu Minh Thuan (top scorer in the Southwest regional qualifiers with 6 goals).

AN INTERESTING CONFRONTATION

The second match of the opening day was equally exciting, as the defending champion (from the first season in 2023), Hue University, faced the "brand new" Quy Nhon University team (who qualified for the finals in their first appearance in the tournament), at 6 PM. This match promised to be very captivating, as both teams brought a burning desire to win. Hue University, from the ancient capital, wanted to reclaim their former champion status after being eliminated in the qualifying round last season. Meanwhile, Quy Nhon University wanted to continue making their mark in their debut in the national student football tournament, after creating a big surprise in the South Central and Central Highlands regional qualifying rounds.

Hue University's assistant coach, Duong Van Dung, stated: "As mentioned before, we respect all opponents, and especially value the rookie teams, such as Quy Nhon University. In their first appearance, they performed quite impressively in the qualifying round and secured a place in the finals. When facing strong opponents, we have a basis for prior research, thereby outlining our approach to the match. Meanwhile, Quy Nhon University is a new name, and can be considered an unknown quantity in this tournament. Therefore, the opening match against the rookie Quy Nhon University is predicted to be challenging and difficult for Hue University. However, Hue University's goal in this match is to at least get a point, to make it easier to plan for the road ahead."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hom-nay-khai-mac-vck-nhung-an-so-bat-dau-lo-dien-185250228220122772.htm