Duy Manh explains the act of planting the national flag on Changzhou Stadium
The defender of U23 Vietnam bowed his head to salute the red flag with yellow star after the final match of the 2018 U23 Asian Cup in China.
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| Duy Manh planted the flag and bowed at Changzhou Stadium. Photo: Linh AFC. |
"Now, thinking back to the image of raising the flag at Changzhou Stadium, I still feel extremely moved and proud," Duy Manh shared withVnExpress.
Duy Manh was at the back of the group of players and coaches when leaving the field after the final match against Uzbekistan last Saturday. Surprisingly, the defender of U23 Vietnam decided to plant the national flag on the field and bowed. The image touched many fans and was shared on social networks.
“While I was walking, I saw a pile of snow, which looked like a mountain. Suddenly, the idea of planting the flag there came to mind and I decided to do it right away. While planting the flag, I was still crying with regret. After that, I stepped back to clap my hands to thank the audience, bowing to them and the national flag as a word of gratitude,” Duy Manh added.
At the end of the final match of the U23 Asian Cup, Duy Manh cried with regret. He and his teammates fought bravely but had to accept the decisive 1-2 defeat in the penultimate minute of the second extra time. However, the players and coaching staff still walked around the field to greet the fans. The national flag was brought down from the stands for them to wear and wave.
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| Duy Manh (right) and the flag before he planted it on the field of Thuong Chau. Photo: Anh Khoa. |
“Getting to the final was a big surprise, until now I still can’t believe we made that miracle. However, losing in the final in the last minutes of extra time still makes me regretful. Later, looking back at the image of the flag planted at Changzhou Stadium, I will recall the unforgettable memories of this tournament. It was like a milestone in my career and life,” Duy Manh added.
Duy Manh is a midfielder, but has often been deployed as a central defender. He made many mistakes during the friendly matches, but played impressively in the U23 Asian Cup, contributing greatly to the shock of U23 Vietnam by reaching the final.
