Two goals and a warning from Dinh Bac

Nguyen Dinh Bac did not need much time to make his mark at SEA Games 33.

A double against U22 Laos in the opening match not only helped U22 Vietnam get all 3 points, but also opened up a new mental state for the striker under the CAHN roster. After long days of struggling to find his scoring instinct, Dinh Bac finally relieved himself of the burden in the most familiar way: scoring.

The role of Dinh Bac

In theory, Dinh Bac is not even sure to be present in the opening match. CAHN's tight schedule and the match against Buriram United on the evening of December 3 in the 2025/26 Southeast Asian Club Championship caused the initial plan to be postponed to December 11, right before the match against U22 Malaysia. However, due to national duties, coach Mano Polking proactively "supported" him earlier. That decision shows that Dinh Bac's role in the attacking plan of U22 Vietnam is not small.

In fact, the biggest boost came before the 33rd SEA Games, when Dinh Bac scored the winning goal in CAHN’s 2-1 win over Beijing Guoan in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two. It was his first goal at club level, and it came in a suffocating situation against a stronger, more experienced opponent. That moment was worth more than three points: it freed his mind, bringing him back to the confident state that had made his name in Vietnam’s youth teams.

That comfort was fully brought into the confrontation with U22 Laos. There is no need to discuss much: Dinh Bac was the most impressive striker of U22 Vietnam on the opening day. Moving widely, pressing fiercely, choosing sharp positions and not afraid of collision - he recreated the image of a striker born to create continuous danger.

Dinh Bac (number 7) shines in the victory of U22 Vietnam against U22 Laos. Photo: Minh Chien.

However, it is still too early to say that Dinh Bac is perfect. His conversion rate into goals is not high, and he missed many situations that could have been handled more neatly.

However, in comparison to the two remaining attacking satellites, Dinh Bac is the one who brings the strongest breakthrough feeling. After a long time being scrutinized for his inconsistent performance at club level, his aggressiveness and energetic playing style are positive signs.

Warning of Dinh Bac

The double against U22 Laos also reflected Dinh Bac's true character: decisive penetration and cool finishing. The second goal was accompanied by controversy when the assistant referee raised a flag to warn Quoc Viet that he was standing under the opponent's defense at the time the ball was kicked.

However, the move also showed a familiar thing in football: luck often comes to those who know how to put themselves in the right space to score. Dinh Bac had both luck and talent in that moment - and that does not detract from the overall performance.

Looking more broadly, what U22 Vietnam needs most right now is not a perfect striker, but a confident striker, ready to become a fulcrum in tense matches. SEA Games 33 is not a simple playground. U22 Malaysia, U22 Indonesia or U22 Thailand all have the ability to put much more pressure than U22 Laos. Therefore, a striker who knows how to stand up at the right time, knows how to reposition his own image, will be a valuable asset.

Nguyen Dinh Bac did not need much time to make his mark at SEA Games 33. Photo: Minh Chien .

For Dinh Bac, the goal against Beijing Guoan was the starting point. The double against U22 Laos was the next confirmation. However, the most important journey is still ahead. He needs to improve his ability to take advantage of opportunities, be sharper in his final decisions, and most importantly: maintain the upward momentum instead of falling into the erratic spiral he encountered at CAHN.

Anyway, the opening 3 points are there, and Dinh Bac’s signature is right on top of that victory. For a young player who has just escaped great pressure, it is a great foundation to continue to explode. U22 Vietnam is dreaming of a SEA Games gold medal. To make that dream come true, they need the moments that a striker like Nguyen Dinh Bac can bring.

If the double against U22 Laos is just the beginning, then SEA Games 33 could become the tournament that marks a turning point for striker CAHN - and an important boost for the gold ambition of Vietnamese men's football.

All goals of the match U22 Vietnam 2-1 U22 Laos On the afternoon of December 3, U22 Vietnam easily defeated U22 Laos in the opening match of Group B of the men's football SEA Games 33 at Rajamangala Stadium.

Source: https://znews.vn/hai-ban-thang-va-mot-loi-canh-bao-cua-dinh-bac-post1608259.html