The qualifying rounds concluded this past Sunday at the SPKT fields in Thu Duc in epic fashion. From the onset of the day teams knew the stakes of making it through the round and there were more penalty shootouts than in the first two rounds combined. As always, some teams shined while others struggled, but luck played a factor in a number of games that saw some of the stronger teams drop to the lower bracket early in the competition.

This week we start our focus on Phung Hoang Travel FC, this team made it through the winners bracket by winning the majority of their games with a single goal, and keeping a clean sheet all the way to the finals. The defense was calm and cool throughout the day and helped control the opposition’s attack while also joining in their own attack. This methodical approach is the first time we have seen a team play a very tactical style of play. Patience and opportunity were the defining traits that stood out on their way to the finals, and they would need to implement that same strategy in the finals if they wanted to take the last spot in the finals on October 17^th.

There was plenty of other good competition though, and some standout performances from VietCredit, Ban Viet, and Phoenix who all played tough teams from the beginning and met the finalists at some point during the tournament. These teams all a bit unlucky in this regard, but had very good showings and did there companies proud with overall work ethic and passion of the field.

Our other focus team this week was Jindo FC. They actually met with Phung Hoang Fc in the 3^rd round of the top division, falling by a single goal even though they had a number of opportunities and looked the more dangerous of the teams in this meeting. From there they fought hard to make it back to the finals, playing a total of 6 games and beating Phum FC in the finals of the lower division. However, this game left them depleted, playing in the heat of the day while Phung Hoang was able to rest before the rematch.

So the stage was set for the re-match that seemed to be destined to happen all day long. Phung Hoang FC and Jindo both took the field with the rain beginning to come down which was a welcome break from the heat of the day. The game again was a back and forth battle, seeing both teams with chances early that could have been converted. However it was Phung Hoang that struck first and got a goal from a smooth transition and nicely set up string of passes that caught Jindo off guard. With time ticking off the clock Jindo threw everything into attack, leading a number of charges up the field with their attack moving the ball well and creating chance after chance that kept Phung Hoang on the back foot and forcing them into a defensive mindset.

At the end though Jindo ran out of time, and Phung Hoang was able to keep their record intact, not allowing a single goal during the tournament, and showing that they deserved the last place in the finals by doing what needed to be done on both ends of the pitch. They lifted the trophy in the rain, and are welcomed to the finals where they will meet the VietCredit Allstars, Nghiem Pham FC, and Minh Nhat FC of October 17^th.

We look forward to seeing you there to cheer on your favorite team, and share in the excitement as we crown the Champions of Vietnam’s biggest 7v7 tournament in 2020!