Center back Nguyen Nhat Minh of U23 Vietnam at the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship - Photo: FBNV
"The doctor placed the water bottles in the technical area to provide water for everyone, not only for the U23 Vietnam players but also for the opponents. Unfortunately, the throw-in at the end of the match by U23 Indonesia happened in that exact position," Nguyen Nhat Minh shared with Tuoi Tre Online on the morning of July 30.
"We don't need to play tricks"
In the final minutes of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 final on the evening of July 29, U23 Vietnam was leading U23 Indonesia 1-0. All players retreated to their home field to defend against the throw-in from the home team Indonesia.
However, in the final phase, the Indonesian player could not throw the ball straight into the U23 Vietnam penalty area and was forced to throw it back to the middle of the field to the goalkeeper because the throw-in line (cutting across the U23 Vietnam technical area) was littered with water bottles. This incident sparked controversy over whether U23 Vietnam played fair or not in the final phase of the final match against Indonesia.
Nguyen Nhat Minh affirmed that U23 Vietnam had prepared thoroughly to counter U23 Indonesia's throw-ins. Therefore, the team did not need any tricks to protect the 1-0 score.
"Every time Indonesia throws the ball, we are also worried. But we all focus on resolving all of their threats.
We have prepared well for the game, but we don't need any tricks," Nhat Minh said.
He continued: "With coach Kim Sang Sik, he only told us, especially the central defenders, to play with concentration throughout the match under the terrible pressure and pressure from the home crowd."
The result of that focus is the 2025 Southeast Asian Championship for U23 Vietnam. Until now, Nhat Minh still has not forgotten the feeling of winning against U23 Indonesia and lifting the championship trophy on the opponent's home field.
"I am happy and emotional to finally win a tournament with U23 Vietnam after many times participating in the U19 and U20 teams before. I am happy to know that at the moment I win the championship, my family at home is waiting for me, and fans from all over the country are supporting me," said Nhat Minh.
He continued: "When I got back to my room, I quickly went online to see the atmosphere. I was really surprised to know that everyone was celebrating after the championship of U23 Vietnam."
Coach Kim Sang Sik enthusiastically directs the final match of U23 Southeast Asia - Photo: ANH KHOA
"Coach Kim is a strict person"
Nguyen Nhat Minh was born in 2003, from Hai Phong , and is one of the phenomena of U23 Vietnam this year.
From being an unknown player, only selected for the U23 Vietnam team last year, Nhat Minh has made a big step forward. He has surpassed many veteran players to take a starting position in the defense.
It is not only a reward for Nhat Minh's efforts, but also the trust given by coach Kim Sang Sik.
"To be honest, during the training sessions before the tournament, I just thought that I had to try my best to stay in the final list of 23 players to go to Indonesia. I never expected to be a starter. I am grateful to coach Kim Sang Sik," Nhat Minh said.
Commenting on the Korean strategist, this player said: "Coach Kim is a strict person. During training sessions, he often gives advice to the players. If the players practice incorrectly, he will stop the training session and give a demonstration.
The teacher did that just to help everyone focus and understand the tactics faster. Before each match, he also gave each person specific instructions on how to play.
Nguyen Nhat Minh in a situation of closely marking the most dangerous striker of U23 Indonesia - Photo: ANH KHOA
"U23 Vietnam players are not offended when given feedback"
In the 4 matches against Laos, Cambodia, Philippines and Indonesia, Nhat Minh played consistently and helped U23 Vietnam win the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championship with only 2 goals conceded. Nhat Minh admitted that this championship was not perfect, because he and his teammates still have a lot to improve.
"I often remind everyone to focus so that the team can be better. But the U23 Vietnam team is very united. We are not afraid to give feedback and do not feel offended when receiving feedback," Nhat Minh shared.
The championship achievement of U23 Vietnam this time was honored by goals from high balls and set pieces (with 7 out of 8 goals being high balls). Nhat Minh also made his mark with a cross assist in the 3-0 win over Laos in the group stage.
That was just one of many situations where Nhat Minh attacked. Talking about this, he confided that this was the tactic of U23 Vietnam.
"The fact that the central defenders crossed the ball was partly a matter of practice and partly our improvisation during the match," said the U23 Vietnam central defender.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/trung-ve-u23-viet-nam-chung-toi-khong-can-tieu-xao-de-vo-dich-20250730135545405.htm
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