Outstanding efforts by Nha Trang University
"Nha Trang, stand up!"... the shouts of hundreds of students echoed in the final minutes of the match. The chants were relentless, rhythmic, and resounding from all four corners of the field, even though Nha Trang University was already trailing 0-2 against the Water Resources University, with virtually no hope of turning the tide and securing a place in the final.
The audience stayed to offer encouragement until the very end, because above all, those who carried the mission of being the "12th player" understood that Nha Trang University had fought with everything they had.
The team led by Technical Director Hoang Anh Tuan and Coach Nguyen Anh Tu deserves recognition for playing a game that pushed their limits, bravely showcasing their abilities despite facing a formidable opponent that has dominated the national student football scene.
Nha Trang University (in blue shirts) put up a tenacious defense.
PHOTO: INDEPENDENT
The presence of Technical Director Hoang Anh Tuan has breathed new life into the way the Nha Trang University team operates. Unlike their somewhat spontaneous and purely spirit-based style of play in the TNSV THACO Cup 2026, Nha Trang University has undergone a transformation under the guidance of Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan. After just a few training sessions, Mr. Tuan helped the Khanh Hoa representative play much more tightly, disciplined, and systematically.
In the semi-final match against the Water Resources University, Coach Hoang Anh Tuan's players erected a solid two-layered defensive wall, effectively blocking all aerial balls and set pieces, which are the strengths of the Water Resources University.
Striker Tran Duc Hoan was neutralized, playmaker Nguyen Hoang Danh had to drop deep into his own half to find the ball, while Bui Xuan Truong and Le Do Tuan Minh had almost no space to breathe. After scoring early goals in five consecutive matches, the Water Resources University team was held back by the Nha Trang "wall," styled after Hoang Anh Tuan's tactics, until the very last minutes.
The home team's resilience and tight defense caused the Water Resources University team to lose their composure. Hoang Danh's misplaced free kicks, the overreactions... were all signs of a heated temper. The Water Resources University attack swept aside their opponents with 18 goals in 5 matches, but they couldn't overcome the "bunker" built with the sweat and tears of the players, along with the unique, cunning style that coach Hoang Anh Tuan had cultivated throughout his coaching career.
Duc Hoan (in the red shirt) is locked up.
PHOTO: DUY ANH
That defense was only breached by Hoang Van Lam's stunning long-range shot in the 73rd minute. A masterpiece, and perhaps only by scoring such an "unbelievable" goal could the Water Resources University team break down the home team's exceptional defensive structure.
Progress every day
Nha Trang University has reached the quarterfinals of the THACO Cup 2026 Student Sports Tournament, the semifinals of the 2026 International Student Sports Tournament, and still has the third-place match to play, aiming to bring home a bronze medal to its trophy cabinet.
Entering this year's competition with limited experience (never having participated in the THACO Student Football Cup finals before), Coach Nguyen Anh Tu's team has grown stronger with each match. With a roster mostly composed of first- and second-year students, Nha Trang University still has plenty of room to develop its team.
Ho Thanh Phuoc, Ho Hoang Thinh, and Truong Dang Tri Thuc all have the potential to become stars if they maintain a progressive spirit and learn from their failures.
The appointment of Technical Director Hoang Anh Tuan for the international TNSV competition also demonstrates the serious ambition of Nha Trang University. Ultimately, it was the right choice. Mr. Tuan didn't need much time to understand his players. With his keen eye, the former Vietnam U23 coach only needed to watch one or two matches to know what the players were lacking. During training sessions, Technical Director Hoang Anh Tuan outlined clear training plans, pointed out the players' mistakes, and corrected every detail. Just like when coaching professional players, Mr. Tuan demanded perfectionism, meticulousness, and exceptional effort.
The strong imprint of Technical Director Hoang Anh Tuan
PHOTO: DUY ANH
Every training session under Coach Tuan is packed with information. Despite his strictness, the players remain enthusiastic about training, believing they will always learn something from the best youth coach in the country.
The coaching efforts of Technical Director Hoang Anh Tuan, along with the dedication and inspiration of Coach Nguyen Anh Tu, have been rewarded with a team that consistently performs better in each match. Nha Trang University achieved a memorable victory against the U.23 team, and the Lao University team had a close match that went down to the wire against the Water Resources University.
The next challenge is against Svay Rieng University (Cambodia) in the third-place match. While this match may not lead to the trophy, it is still very important. The bronze medal will be a reward for Nha Trang University to continue striving. Because, as Technical Director Hoang Anh Tuan said, this is just the beginning. A promising journey awaits.
Therefore, "Nha Trang, stand up."
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/truong-dh-nha-trang-dung-len-185260403235457188.htm
Comment (0)