Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac shines, U22 Vietnam wins opening match at SEA Games 33.

On the afternoon of December 3rd in Thailand, the Vietnam U22 team played their opening match against Laos U22 at the 33rd SEA Games. Before the match, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the entire team entered the tournament with maximum focus. The South Korean coach showed great respect for Laos U22, acknowledging that although their opponent hasn't achieved many successes in Asian competitions, they possess noteworthy qualities and could pose a significant challenge if Vietnam U22 becomes complacent.

Immediately after the opening whistle, the Vietnam U22 team proactively pushed their formation forward, creating strong pressure on both flanks. In the 2nd minute, they had an early opportunity, but a cross from the left wing was cleared by the opposing defense. However, the Laos U22 team played confidently, pressing aggressively and making it difficult for the Vietnam U22 team to execute their passing combinations.

Set pieces in the early minutes failed to create any breakthroughs for the "Golden Star Warriors". It wasn't until the 29th minute that the Vietnam U22 team opened the scoring when Minh Phuc crossed the ball for Dinh Bac to finish from close range. However, four minutes later, Laos U22 equalized 1-1 from a corner kick, with Douangvilay Khampane scoring after the ball hit the crossbar.

Towards the end of the first half, the Vietnam U22 team increased the pressure, but shots from Thanh Nhàn and Đình Bắc were all saved by goalkeeper Lokphathip Kop. The first half ended with a 1-1 score.

In the second half, the Vietnam U22 team continued to maintain strong pressure. In the 50th minute, Quoc Viet nearly scored after a header from Hieu Minh, but a Laos U22 defender managed to clear the ball right on the goal line. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team constantly created attacking opportunities, but their crosses were ineffective.

In the 55th minute, Minh Phúc unleashed a shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball went over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Quốc Việt missed a golden opportunity, heading the ball high into the air from close range after a cross from Thanh Nhàn.

After many attempts, the Vietnam U22 team finally regained the lead. In the 60th minute, Dinh Bac skillfully dribbled the ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot, beating goalkeeper Lokphathip Kop and giving Vietnam U22 a 2-1 lead.

After scoring the second goal, the Vietnam U22 team continued to maintain an attacking momentum. In the 68th minute, Thanh Nhàn had a clear opportunity when he headed the ball from Minh Phúc's cross, but his shot went straight to the Laos U22 goalkeeper.

Despite being behind, the U22 Laos team played tenaciously, organizing a mass defense that made it difficult for the U22 Vietnam team to find a way to increase their lead.

Vietnam U22 continued their attacking momentum. In the 75th minute, Dinh Bac took a powerful free kick, but the ball went wide of the Laos U22 goal. Shortly after, the striker from CAHN had another shot inside the penalty area, but the third goal still eluded him.

In the 80th minute, the Laos U22 team unexpectedly created their most dangerous opportunity of the second half. Following a precise central midfield combination, Douangvilay Khampane broke through to face goalkeeper Trung Kien one-on-one.

U22 Vietnam continued to maintain pressure in the final minutes. In the 84th minute, Dinh Bac penetrated the penalty area and unleashed a left-footed shot, but the ball narrowly missed the target. In the 88th minute, Hieu Minh had a chance to seal the victory after a scramble in the U22 Laos penalty area, but his shot went over the crossbar.

In the final minutes of the match, the Vietnam U22 team launched a quick counter-attack. Dinh Bac received the ball in a favorable position, but his left-footed shot went wide of the post, missing the opportunity to complete a hat-trick.

Despite not scoring any more goals, the Vietnam U22 team maintained their advantage to secure a victory in their opening match. According to the schedule, on December 11th, Vietnam U22 will face Malaysia U22 in the next match of Group B at the SEA Games 33.