"The Key" to Dinh Bac

From an underdog team at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals, Coach Kim Sang-sik's squad impressed with a series of convincing victories against strong opponents. For the first time in history, Vietnam U23 reached the quarterfinals as group winners with a perfect record. In the quarterfinal match on the morning of January 17th, UAE U23, despite being considered the stronger team, had to change their tactics and approach to the game, as they were constantly being chased by Coach Kim's players.

Despite not being in his best physical condition, Dinh Bac remains a nightmare for opposing defenders at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship. (Photo: THE AFC)

Before coming to Vietnam, coach Kim Sang-sik was loyal to a playing philosophy that built a solid defense as the foundation for his team. However, with many talented players possessing good individual skills and a modern approach to the game, he is now ready to implement a ball-possession style of play, emphasizing tempo control and tight tactical execution in the midfield.

Furthermore, a key factor contributing to the Vietnamese U23 team's confident performance against strong opponents lies in the South Korean coach's ability to inspire and motivate the team before and during matches. As reported by Dinh Bac after the victory against the UAE U23 team: "In situations where the opponent was pressing, Coach Kim instructed the entire team to try to press in order to control the ball, slow down the opponent's pace, and create opportunities. This playing style helped the U22 team win the SEA Games 33 gold medal and reach the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship."

In particular, Kim's team of assistants is also highly regarded. They quickly analyze situations and developments on the field to advise the head coach, helping the team adjust tactics accordingly.

Not only do they know how to capitalize on set pieces, but Coach Kim Sang-sik's team also demonstrates the ability to flexibly transition between phases of play. Vietnamese players may be shorter or "thinner" than their opponents, but the coaching staff always knows how to build a suitable, comprehensive playing style in both attack and defense.

The skill level between the starting lineup and the reserve players is quite similar. This allows the coaching staff to rotate the squad effectively, reducing pressure and the risk of injury to the players. As a result, even when not fielding their strongest lineup, the Vietnam U23 team still achieves maximum results – a crucial factor outlining the strength of a championship contender!

The current U23 Vietnam team utilizes a "false" forward formation, with Dinh Bac, Viktor Le, Van Khang, Thanh Nhan, and Le Phat… taking turns pushing forward in attack. The U23 Vietnam team's preferred 3-4-3 formation can quickly switch to 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 when organizing zonal pressing, and 5-4-1 when retreating deep into their own half to defend.

The starting lineup of the Vietnam U23 team is constantly being refreshed but still maintains its professional quality and executes tactics smoothly. This demonstrates the remarkable progress of young Vietnamese players, who are capable of competing with top teams in the continent.

The success of a team, especially a football team, sometimes depends on the brilliance of a few individuals. In the Vietnam U23 team, Dinh Bac is currently considered the "key" to their success. The young player from Nghe An has contributed to 4 of the team's 8 goals since the beginning of the tournament.

Dinh Bac's versatility, mature performance, and unwavering composure have made him the leader of the U23 Vietnam attack, boosting team morale and giving him the confidence to control the ball and play against top-ranked opponents from across the continent.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chia-khoa-dinh-bac-196260117205814427.htm