Identifying the 'dream final'

The team from the University of Water Resources will face the team from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry in the final match of the 4th Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup (TNSV THACO Cup 2026), after both teams won their semi-final matches held yesterday, March 20th, at the Nha Trang University stadium.

This is the 3rd time for the Water Resources University team…

The Hanoi University of Water Resources team made a strong impression at the THACO Student Football Cup, reaching the final for the third time in four seasons. This achievement affirms the position of the team from Hanoi in the top tier of Vietnamese student football.

The Water Resources University team (left) secured an easy victory to advance to the final of the THACO TNSV Cup 2026.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENT

The strength of the Water Resources University team was demonstrated by their convincing 3-0 victory over the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology team in the semi-finals. Just 54 seconds into the game, captain Nguyen Hoang Danh shone with a spectacular free-kick, scoring a beautiful goal for the Water Resources University team. Coach Vu Van Trung shared after the match: "From the first time I saw Hoang Danh play, I felt he was a rare talent in Vietnamese student football. It was indeed true that Hoang Danh, with his excellent free-kick ability and tactical acumen, is an irreplaceable pillar of the Water Resources University team."

Not only did Hoang Danh shine with the opening goal, but he was also present at most of the key moments on the field. His skillful dribbling down the right wing, followed by an assist for teammate Bui Xuan Truong to score the second goal in the 49th minute, demonstrated the versatility and effectiveness of this talented midfielder. Hoang Danh's brilliance also prevented the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology team from implementing their desired defensive style. The efforts of the team from Ho Chi Minh City helped them create a better game, with several opportunities, but they failed to capitalize on them. A skillful finish by striker Duc Hoan in the 66th minute secured a 3-0 victory for the Water Resources University team, earning them a ticket to the final. This was the first time the Water Resources University team reached the final of the THACO Student Tournament in 2023, and their second time in 2024.

"With the TNSV THACO Cup, we've had an unforgettable journey. We reached the final twice before but never won the championship, so this time the Water Resources University team is very eager. I always remind my players to maintain their spirit and keep their feet on the ground to play each match one at a time. Many players from the Water Resources University team have participated since the first season, and there are also some new faces, so we will prepare very carefully for the final," Coach Vu Van Trung revealed.

First time for the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team.

In the second semi-final match, the Dong Nai University of Technology and Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry teams provided spectators with many high-quality plays. The Dong Nai University of Technology team displayed sharp attacking capabilities, creating numerous opportunities to threaten their opponent's goal. In particular, the "small but mighty" striker Nguyen Phu Hong Phuc, with his quick ball handling and excellent individual technique, kept the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry defense closely marked. The Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry players effectively utilized their tight defensive play. Besides neutralizing their opponent's attack, they also launched diverse attacks, keeping their opponents on their toes. The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Nguyen Le Truc headed in a precise header from a corner kick by teammate Nguyen Duc Huy, giving the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry the lead.

The Dong Nai University of Technology team launched a relentless attack, creating numerous opportunities in the latter part of the second half, but were unable to break through the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry's defense. They ultimately lost 0-1 and shared third place. It was a pity for the Dong Nai University of Technology team, who had played very well in previous matches, keeping clean sheets, but were eliminated by the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry. In contrast, Coach Tran Van Dung and his team were overjoyed to reach the TNSV THACO Cup final for the first time. Coach Tran Van Dung shared: "The coaching staff is very happy and proud that our players showed their character and confidence against each opponent, overcoming the Da Nang University of Sports and Physical Education team in the quarterfinals and then the Dong Nai University of Technology team in the semifinals."

Thus, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team will face the Thuy Loi University team in the final of the TNSV THACO Cup 2026, which will take place at 3:15 PM tomorrow (March 22).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xac-dinh-chung-ket-trong-mo-185260320220351783.htm