Đình Bắc scored twice, leading U22 Vietnam to secure 3 points in their opening match

On December 3rd afternoon, at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok (Thailand), the U22 Vietnam team entered their SEA Games 33 opening match aiming to claim all 3 points against Laos and, if possible, achieve a big win to gain an advantage over U22 Malaysia. Coach Kim Sang Sik clearly showed this determination by fielding his strongest lineup, featuring the three most dangerous attackers: Đình Bắc - Quốc Việt - Thanh Nhàn.

Right after the kickoff, U22 Vietnam dominated the game completely. Smooth attacks from both wings demonstrated Coach Kim Sang Sik’s high pressing strategy. In the 16th minute, Thanh Nhàn made a skillful header following a cross from Văn Khang, but the ball just missed the target.

The relentless pressure finally paid off. A costly turnover by U22 Laos while pushing forward was immediately punished. Minh Phúc surged forward and delivered an accurate pass back for Đình Bắc to strike the opening goal at the 29th minute — a goal showcasing speed, vision, and excellent teamwork.

However, this advantage did not last long. In the 33rd minute, from a chaotic situation in front of goalkeeper Trung Kiên, the ball hit the crossbar and then landed exactly at the foot of a Laos player. The score was equalized 1-1, delivering a psychological blow as U22 Vietnam had been playing well.

In the final minutes of the first half, U22 Vietnam still launched several attacks but lacked sharpness. Xuân Bắc suffered an injury after a collision and had to leave the field, replaced by Quốc Cường.

In the second half, U22 Vietnam continued to press and created many chances. At the 49th minute, Lý Đức dribbled past two Laos players but his decisive pass failed. Between minutes 50 and 59, Quốc Việt had two great opportunities — one close-range shot was blocked, and a diving header narrowly missed the goal. At the 54th minute, Minh Phúc took a long-range shot, but it went too high.

Just five minutes later, the match suddenly sparked controversy. Đình Bắc scored past the Laos goalkeeper, but the referees ruled that Quốc Việt was offside and involved in the play, so the goal was disallowed.

This situation caused an on-field argument. Coach Kim Sang Sik received a yellow card at the 62nd minute for protesting. At the 63rd minute, after consulting with his assistant, the main referee Rustam Lutfullin decided to award the goal to U22 Vietnam. On the Laos side, coach Ha Hyeok-jun was also given a yellow card for protesting this decision.

After taking the lead 2-1, Vietnam made substitutions. At the 71st minute, Văn Khang and Thanh Nhàn left the field, replaced by Phi Hoàng and Văn Thuận.

Captain Đình Bắc continued to shine in attack. At the 75th minute, the number 7 striker won a free kick but his shot went wide. Just a minute later, he hit the post with a shot from a tight angle on the left side.

U22 Laos kept pressing for counterattacks. At the 80th minute, Khampane broke through the offside trap but his shot was too weak to trouble goalkeeper Trung Kiên.

The match remained tightly contested until the final minutes, but neither side scored again. The final result was a full 3 points for U22 Vietnam, highlighted by Đình Bắc’s brilliant brace.