The cruel final moments

" THE LAWS OF FOOTBALL ARE TRULY CRUEL"

The match between the top student team in the northern region - Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports - and the most outstanding representative from the Southeast region - Dong Nai University of Technology - was very exciting. With well-balanced teams and comprehensive attacking and defensive capabilities, both teams provided fans with many great plays. The defending third-place team, Dong Nai University of Technology, created numerous scoring opportunities, including two one-on-one situations with the opposing goalkeeper, but Vu Minh Khai failed to capitalize on them.

Những phút cuối nghiệt ngã- Ảnh 1. — The Dong Nai University of Technology team *(left)* started well but ended up empty-handed in their opening match.

Despite facing a setback when captain Do Thai Bao received his second yellow card and was sent off in the 74th minute, coach Le Huu Phat's players held firm. However, a last-minute mistake by goalkeeper Nguyen Duc Cong cost the team from Dong Nai dearly. Having played exceptionally well earlier and considered a contender for Man of the Match, goalkeeper Nguyen Duc Cong's clumsy handling of the ball allowed Do Minh Tu to pounce and quickly shoot into the empty net, opening the scoring for Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports. Before they could recover, Dong Nai University of Technology conceded another goal from Vu Viet Hoang, ultimately losing 0-2.

Many players from Dong Nai University of Technology burst into tears after the final whistle. Coach Le Huu Phat was also visibly upset. "Football is cruel, but that's the rule. We had many opportunities but failed to capitalize on them and paid the price for our mistakes. However, this is only the first match of the group stage, the chance to advance is still there, and we will focus on the two important matches ahead. After the match, I also encouraged my players to quickly forget the defeat and concentrate all their efforts to come back stronger," Coach Le Huu Phat shared.

Meanwhile, Coach Pham Minh of the Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports team said: "This is the first time our team has played a match with such unexpected developments in the final minutes. Our players haven't found their rhythm yet, but they know how to take advantage of opportunities. This is motivation for us to look forward to the next match."

EXCITING DERBY MATCH IN HO CHI MINH CITY AREA

The Ho Chi Minh City regional derby between the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology was as exciting as expected. Both teams adopted a rather free-flowing attacking style with the same goal of winning. Having overcome very strong teams in the qualifying rounds such as Van Lang University and especially the defending champions, Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry players continued to impress when facing the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Surprisingly, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology took the lead with a quick counter-attack, scored by Tran Huu Binh. However, relentless attacking pressure helped Coach Ta Hong Ha's players equalize in the first half with a sharp volley from Nguyen Dinh Sang.

Difficulties arose again for the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team when they conceded a goal in the 50th minute after goalkeeper The Anh fouled a Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology player inside the penalty area, and Nguyen Minh Tri successfully converted the penalty. The Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry players surged forward, creating many scoring opportunities but failing to capitalize on them, ultimately losing 1-2.

Thus, in Group C, the teams from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports have a significant advantage after both winning their opening matches.