Thanh Nhàn: 'Winning against U22 Thailand was the most memorable match of my life'

Vietnam U22 hero Nguyen Thanh Nhan is still overwhelmed with emotion when talking about the winning goal that secured the SEA Games 33 gold medal.

Before playing the hero for the Vietnam U22 team by scoring the winning goal in the 3-2 final against Thailand, Nguyen Thanh Nhan had already shone with the goal that sealed the 2-0 victory against the Philippines in the semi-final - Photo: NAM TRAN

Nguyen Thanh Nhan scored the winning goal, securing a 3-2 victory for Vietnam U22 against Thailand U22 in the SEA Games 33 men's football final on the evening of December 18th, helping coach Kim Sang Sik's team win the gold medal on their opponent's home ground.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online on December 21st, Nguyen Thanh Nhan reminisced that the victory against U22 Thailand was the most memorable match of his career.

How do you feel after being the "hero" of the Vietnam U22 team?

I was happy and delighted to change the color of the SEA Games medal and proud to have contributed to the team's victory in Thailand. Before scoring, I also regretted that my shot at the end of the second half didn't go in. Because if I had scored, we wouldn't have had to go into extra time. It's a pity that the Thai goalkeeper played so well.

But then we won. This will be the best, most joyful match of my career.

The Vietnam U22 team had a disappointing start to the match, trailing Thailand U22 2-0 in the first half. As a substitute, how did you feel?

Sitting on the bench, watching the Vietnam U22 team trail Thailand U22 by two goals, I felt restless, my professional pride kicked in. I just wanted to go onto the field and give my all, to help my teammates turn the tide.

Were you afraid of losing to Thailand then?

We were never afraid of the Thai players. It was just that in the first half, my teammates were a bit tense because we were playing on the opponent's home ground. When we were 2-0 down, we knew we had nothing left to lose. The only way was to push forward in the second half. We showed determination and we succeeded.

What did Coach Kim Sang Sik say to you personally and to the Vietnam U22 team during halftime?

Coach Kim encouraged us, saying that to win the championship, we had to run more than the Thai players. He also said we had to fight for our country.

Towards the end of the first half, I knew the coach would bring me on in the second half, and I worked hard not to disappoint him. He told me I had to be aggressive, determined, exploit the space behind the Thai defenders, and confidently take many shots.

When we were leading U22 Thailand 3-2, we were very excited because we were so close to winning the gold medal. The players encouraged each other to maintain this lead until the end of the match, and we succeeded.

The moment Thanh Nhàn tapped the ball into the net from close range after Văn Thuận's shot, securing a 3-2 victory against U22 Thailand - Photo: NAM TRẦN

The U22 Vietnam team completely transformed in the second half; what do you think was the reason?

I think it's thanks to the spirit, determination, and unity of the players.

After scoring a goal, you had a hard collision and had to leave the field. How is your injury?

I'm fine, just a swollen shin, nothing serious. Actually, I could have continued playing, but I respect the coaching staff's decision.

Following the 33rd SEA Games, the 2026 AFC U23 Championship Finals are coming up. What goals have you set for yourself?

The U23 Asian Championship will be very different from the SEA Games, so personally, I aim to be determined and focused on playing well in each match to advance further.

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NGOC LE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thanh-nhan-thang-u22-thai-lan-la-tran-dau-de-doi-cua-toi-2025122111474797.htm