Dinh Bac helps U22 Vietnam overcome difficulties at SEA Games 33

04/12/2025 08:43:00 pandatv

In the context where the opening match always carries pressure, coach Kim Sang Sik’s team overcame the challenge with a timely burst from CAHN players, notably Dinh Bac’s classy brace.

The 2-1 win over U22 Laos may not be impressive in score difference, but it is precious because it helps U22 Vietnam settle into the tournament’s pace, regain their scoring touch, and more importantly, build confidence for the upcoming days in Thailand, a place forecasted to be full of challenges for the Vietnamese sports delegation at SEA Games 33.

This confidence comes from the outstanding performance of the CAHN players, who were given the green light by their club to join early training with coach Kim Sang Sik to timely “replenish” the national team.

Dinh Bac was the most prominent figure. Less than a week after scoring to help CAHN beat Beijing Guoan 2-1, the 2004-born striker maintained his blazing form with a brace against U22 Laos. Facing a tightly organized opposing defense, Dinh Bac still managed to create breakthroughs through speed, dribbling skills, and calm finishing.

The opening goal in the 29th minute clearly demonstrated this. Starting from a strong wing run by CAHN teammate Minh Phuc, the Nghe An-born striker accelerated powerfully to overcome the U22 Laos defense and open the scoring.

This was the perfect partnership of the duo highly trusted by coach Kim Sang Sik during this SEA Games campaign. It is also worth remembering that before SEA Games 33, the right-back position was usually assigned to Anh Quan (PVF CAND), but with coach Kim Sang Sik now, Minh Phuc’s form was better, so he prioritized the CAHN player’s playing time.

While the first goal came from a planned right-wing coordination, Dinh Bac’s second goal in the 60th minute was a moment of individual brilliance. The ball again originated from the right side; after a skillful move near the penalty area, the CAHN striker fired a precise shot to put U22 Vietnam ahead at a tense moment in the match.

On a day when U22 Vietnam faced difficulties against U22 Laos, Dinh Bac shone timely with a brace to help U22 Vietnam start with a victory. Photo: Tuan Pham

Both goals came from the right wing, showing that U22 Vietnam surprised their opponent, as for many months, coach Kim Sang Sik’s young team had been more effective on the left flank, where Phi Hoang and Van Khang guarded.

Dinh Bac played the role of "rescuer" for U22 Vietnam in the opening match. It is no exaggeration to say he is currently U22 Vietnam’s number one striker. The sharpness of the CAHN forward is a crucial guarantee for the ambitions of coach Kim Sang Sik’s team to advance deep into the tournament.

However, U22 Vietnam’s victory was not all rosy. The goal conceded immediately after taking the lead was a clear warning about their vulnerability to aerial balls and concentration during set pieces. U22 Laos equalized in the 33rd minute from a corner kick.

Notably, coach Ha Hyeok Jun, who troubled coach Kim Sang Sik’s Vietnam team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers last month, once again proved that he understands how to operate against his opponent.

U22 Laos is no longer an easily dominated team but has made significant progress in movement, organization, and counterattacks. U22 Laos stunned U22 Vietnam after their equalizer.

Dinh Bac shone at the right moment, unlocking the deadlock for U22 Vietnam.

The resilience of the opponent forced U22 Vietnam to work hard throughout the 90 minutes. The second half saw numerous missed chances: Quoc Viet had a clearance off the line, Thanh Nhan’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Lokphathip, and even Dinh Bac missed several shots.

This is clearly an issue the team needs to improve as they face a crucial final group match against U22 Malaysia, a direct competitor for qualification.

The biggest positive was the reaction of coach Kim Sang Sik’s players after being equalized. U22 Vietnam did not collapse mentally but continued to maintain organized attacks, good ball control, and persistently exploited their strength on the right flank. This reflects a team with a stable tactical foundation and maturity in their competitive mindset.

SEA Games 33 has only three teams in each group, so every match is like a "final." U22 Vietnam completed their task in the opening match, although the road ahead is long and challenging. But the victory and Dinh Bac’s outstanding performance allow fans to believe that coach Kim Sang Sik’s team is heading in the right direction.

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