Nguyen Thanh Nhan: From SEA Games gold medal to Asian ambitions
Following their miraculous comeback victory against Thailand at the 33rd SEA Games, striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan is determined to make his mark with the Vietnam U23 team at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
The dramatic victory at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand not only brought home a precious gold medal but also marked a significant leap forward in the mental fortitude of the young generation of Vietnamese footballers. Among them, striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan emerged as a symbol of never-give-up spirit, having directly experienced the most nail-biting moments of the final match.
The champion's mindset of overcoming adversity.
Looking back on their journey in Thailand, Nguyen Thanh Nhan admitted that the team had moments where they were on the brink of defeat. Especially in the fiery final match, when the U22 Vietnam team fell behind by two goals in the first half. This was an extreme psychological challenge for any young player.
The striker, born in 2003, shared:"When we were 2-0 down in the first half, I was a little worried and briefly thought about the possibility of losing. But then I told myself that if I gave up, everything would be truly over."It was the unwavering determination and timely encouragement during halftime that helped the entire team maintain their belief, creating a spectacular comeback to defend Vietnam's position in football in the region.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's managerial imprint
Besides the mental aspect, the team's stability also stems from coach Kim Sang-sik's personnel development methods. Thanh Nhàn highly appreciates the fair competitive environment that the South Korean strategist has established, where every player feels their value is respected.
"The coach created an environment where everyone was aware of their role and responsibilities, from the starting players to those on the bench,"The striker, who plays for PVF-CAND, emphasized that cohesion throughout the tournament is key to maintaining the team's rhythm despite personnel changes.
New goals in the continental arena
Following their triumph at the SEA Games, Thanh Nhàn and her teammates' next priority is the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. This is a higher-level competition, requiring thorough preparation in both tactics and physical fitness. Instead of putting too much pressure on herself, the striker from Tay Ninh chooses a realistic approach.
Thanh Nhàn affirmed:"We're not setting overly ambitious goals; instead, we'll focus on each match individually, trying our best and progressing as far as possible."The maturity gained from those thrilling matches has propelled this striker to confidently assert the prowess of Vietnamese football on the continental stage, continuing to contribute to the country's overall achievements.
