Dinh Bac is eager to make his mark in his first time attending the SEA Games.

Vice captain Nguyen Dinh Bac revealed a special conversation with coach Polking that helped him contribute to U.23 Vietnam from the first minutes at SEA Games 33.

Dinh Bac in a media sharing session before the practice session on December 2

Photo: Nhat Thinh

Special talk between Dinh Bac and Coach Polking

At 5:00 p.m. on December 2, striker Dinh Bac and the U.23 Vietnam team had their last training session at RBAC University in Bangkok, before entering the opening match of SEA Games 33 against U.23 Laos on the afternoon of December 3.

Good news for Dinh Bac and U.23 Vietnam when in the last match with CAHN Club before the national team gathering, he scored in the last official minute, sealing a 2-1 victory over Beijing Club, thereby winning a ticket to the round of 16 of AFC Champions League 2.

In particular, this goal is his first goal on all fronts since the beginning of the 2025-2026 season, helping the 2004-born boy relieve a lot of pressure from the goal thirst that has been suppressing him for many months.

Dinh Bac and the dream of SEA Games 33: Revealing the 'special person' as a spiritual support

He expressed: "The goal for CAHN Club gave me more confidence before the U.23 Vietnam training session. I think it was a very important goal. After every match where I had not scored for CAHN Club, Coach Mano Polking always sent me a private message, saying 'your goal is almost there, trust me'. I think he always motivates me to move forward every day."

The excited mood of Dinh Bac and Van Khang with the U.23 Vietnam players during the training session

Photo: Nhat Thinh

It was even more meaningful when coach Mano Polking had previously "given the green light" for him to join the U.23 Vietnam team early, after a special talk with the young striker.

"If the schedule is correct, Minh Phuc and I will gather with the U.23 Vietnam team on December 4. After receiving notice of this schedule, I talked to coach Mano Polking. I have never attended the SEA Games, but I understand all the fans are looking forward to and expecting from the U.23 Vietnam team.

I thank coach Polking and CAHN Club for creating conditions for me to practice with the Vietnam U.23 team right from the preparation stage," Dinh Bac shared.

Determination of U.23 Vietnam

Not only participating, Dinh Bac is likely to also step onto Rajamangala Stadium in the main squad as vice captain of U.23 Vietnam against U.23 Laos with the goal of helping the team score many goals to bring home the victory in the opening match.

The vice captain of U.23 Vietnam shared: "This is the first match of U.23 Vietnam at SEA Games 33. The whole team and I are very happy, excited, and determined in this tournament.

U.23 Vietnam gathers before the opening match

Photo: Nhat Thinh

U.23 Vietnam once beat Laos 3-0 in the 2025 U.23 Southeast Asian tournament. But football is unpredictable. My team and I will go out on the field with the highest spirit to get 3 points in this match."

The boy from Nghe An expressed: "This is the first time I have competed at the SEA Games, the role of vice-captain is both a joy and a responsibility. I will play to the best of my ability on the field, trying to contribute to the team's overall achievements.

Not only head coach Kim Sang-sik but all the coaching staff of the U.23 Vietnam team are very close, always joking with their teammates, creating a comfortable and excited mentality for the players before the tournament.

I think football in the region is developing rapidly. Therefore, the match against Laos is not easy for us. The whole team must focus right now, right from today's training session to practice well, prepare for tomorrow's match to get the desired result."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dinh-bac-khao-khat-ghi-dau-an-ngay-trong-lan-dau-tien-du-sea-games-185251202175923363.htm