Duy Manh explains the act of planting the national flag at Changzhou Stadium
The defender of U23 Vietnam bowed to 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 the flag being raised at Changzhou Stadium, I still feel extremely moved and proud," Duy Manh shared withVnExpress.
Duy Manh was the last of the group of players and coaches 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 media.
“While I was walking, I saw a pile of snow, like a mountain. Suddenly, the idea of planting the flag there came to mind and I decided to do it right away. When I planted the flag, I was still crying with regret. After that, I stepped back to clap my hands to thank the audience, bowing to them as well as 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 hard but had to accept the decisive goal 1-2 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 in Changzhou. 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 raised at Changzhou Stadium, I will recall the unforgettable memories of this tournament. It was like a milestone in my career and life,” Duy Manh shared more.
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 the U23 Vietnam team by reaching the finals.
