Nguyen Dinh Bac brings the "essence" of Nghe An to the SEA Games 33.

The final match at Rajamangala Stadium was where Nguyen Dinh Bac best demonstrated his role as a game-changing player. When the Vietnam U22 team was trailing 0-2 after the first half, the red-shirted team faced a major challenge both in terms of tactics and psychology. It was at that moment that Dinh Bac stepped up.

In the 49th minute, with a powerful and decisive dribble, Dinh Bac forced the U22 Thailand goalkeeper to commit a foul inside the penalty area. From the penalty spot, the striker wearing number 11 calmly finished, reducing the score to 1-2. That goal not only opened up hope but also created a crucial psychological turning point, helping U22 Vietnam regain control of the game and confidence to complete a spectacular comeback.

Coach Mano Polking frankly admitted Dinh Bac's influence: "Dinh Bac was the turning point of the match. He not only won the penalty and scored a goal, but also became a catalyst for the whole team's morale." This assessment shows the value of a player who knows how to appear when the team needs him most.

Not only in the final, Nguyen Dinh Bac maintained consistent form throughout the tournament. After 4 matches at the SEA Games 33, he scored 3 goals, contributed 2 assists, and was voted Man of the Match 3 times. His two goals against U22 Laos in the group stage helped U22 Vietnam overcome a high-pressure opening match, while his two assists against U22 Malaysia were key to securing first place in Group B.

Born and raised in Nghe An, a land rich in football tradition, Nguyen Dinh Bac stepped onto the field with the distinctive demeanor of a Nghe An player: tenacious, courageous, and never giving up. In him, one easily recognizes a "quality" that has become his identity, always powerful in every play.

Dinh Bac is not the type of striker who just waits for opportunities in the penalty box. On the field, he is willing to drop deep to contest, accepting physical contact and stretching the opposing defense to create space for his teammates. This fiery style of play demands physical strength, sacrifice, and a constant fighting spirit—qualities that have been familiar to Nghe An players for generations. Dinh Bac plays football with both his feet and his will, with the tenacity of someone who refuses to give up, even in the most difficult moments.

After the SEA Games 33 final, when the Vietnam U22 team lifted the championship trophy, Dinh Bac couldn't hide his emotions. "I'm truly very happy. The whole team tried their best until the very last moments, with nothing left to hold back. Everyone gave their all on the field, and the result is that we won the championship," he shared. Those simple words accurately reflect Dinh Bac's character.

The striker from Nghe An also spoke about his fighting spirit: "I simply thought that I had to run and fight with all my might. When I wore the Vietnamese national team jersey, I felt like I was given extra strength. I gave my all in every play and I'm truly happy to have won the championship with my teammates."

It can be said that Dinh Bac's fiery and passionate fighting spirit clearly embodies the essence of someone with Nghe An blood in his veins. It's the resilience in the face of pressure, the desire to overcome difficulties, and the spirit of refusing to surrender to fate. When wearing the national team jersey, he plays not only for himself but also for his family, his hometown, and the fans who follow his every move. "I want to dedicate this Gold Medal to my family, my fans, and all the people of Vietnam," said Dinh Bac.

With the SEA Games 33 concluding, Nguyen Dinh Bac not only left his mark with goals and assists, but more importantly, he showed the image of a player who knows how to shine at the right moment and is ready to take responsibility when the team faces challenges. With what he has demonstrated, this striker with the "Nghe An spirit" is gradually asserting his position among the next generation, becoming a new hope for Vietnamese football on its journey ahead.