'Thrilling' story of Ly Duc almost not being able to play in the victory over Cambodia: Holding back the pain to shine

On the evening of July 22, center back Pham Ly Duc was injured during the warm-up, but he was still determined to play to help the U.23 Vietnam team beat Cambodia 2-1, thereby winning a ticket to the semi-finals of the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Championship.

Vietnam U.23 team is ready to replace Ly Duc

About 45 minutes before the match, Ly Duc suffered pain in his ankle after warming up with his teammates in the U.23 Vietnam team. After receiving medical attention, the former HAGL player returned to practice. When the warm-up time was over and the team went into the locker room to prepare for the match, Ly Duc was given another pain-relieving spray.

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Immediately, fitness coach Cedric Rogers asked the two central defenders, Le Van Ha and Dang Tuan Phong, to warm up in case Ly Duc could not play. Meanwhile, all the remaining players of the U.23 Vietnam team had gone into the locker room. Normally, reserve players do not need to warm up early.

Ly Duc was sprayed with pain reliever on his ankle to continue warming up.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

He looked very hurt.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Ly Duc was sprayed with painkillers again at the end of the warm-up.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Immediately, assistant Rogers asked Van Ha (left) and Tuan Phong to warm up.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

These two players must warm up with high intensity to be ready to enter the field.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Warrior Ly Duc

Despite having to play with a sore ankle, Ly Duc still had an impressive performance. He was still a reliable stopper in front of goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, with many solid defensive situations. Not only that, the new player of the Hanoi Police Club was also the author of the opening goal of the match, with a brave aerial battle.

Ly Duc shines, contributing greatly to help the U.23 Vietnam team win

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

In the 71st minute, after a fierce collision with a Cambodian U.23 player, Ly Duc's injury became more serious. He could not continue to play and was substituted, giving way to central defender Dang Tuan Phong.

After the match, Ly Duc was still in pain and had to be bandaged. He will most likely only practice recovery during the afternoon practice session of the U.23 Vietnam team on July 23.

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ly-ky-chuyen-ly-duc-suyt-khong-the-ra-san-tran-thang-campuchia-nen-dau-de-toa-sang-185250723010405718.htm