Nguyen Dinh Bac and 45 minutes of torment for Malaysia's defense

Beyond two assists, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac also made numerous challenging dribbles, tormenting Malaysia's defense in the 2-0 victory during the final group B men's football match at SEA Games 33 on the afternoon of 11/12.

In just the 2nd minute, Dinh Bac pushed the ball past Ahmad Alif into the penalty area. He then delivered a left-footed cross, which captain Khuat Van Khang narrowly shot wide of the post.

Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac was instrumental in Vietnam's offense against Malaysia in the crucial group B match on 11/12. This game determined the group leader and secured a semi-final berth for the winner. Bac's performance followed his brace in Vietnam's 2-1 opening victory over Laos.

The striker, born in 2004, maintained his impressive form, executing many tricky and effective plays from the left flank.

In the 11th minute, Dinh Bac combined with Nguyen Phi Hoang on a corner kick, curling the ball into the 5,50m box for Nguyen Hieu Minh (in red) to head in from close range, opening the scoring.

The opening goal helped the Vietnamese players relax. Dinh Bac began to execute deceptive feints that troubled opponents, including a Ronaldinho-esque "no look pass" in the 18th minute.

Nguyen Dinh Bac: Queen of the Vietnam U22 team

After the match, Dinh Bac revealed that when he received the corner kick, the coaching staff reminded him to "play the set piece." The number 7 striker immediately called out "set piece." Inside Malaysia's penalty area, his teammates understood the signal, shifting positions as they had practiced. Simultaneously, Dinh Bac played a one-touch pass with Phi Hoang before crossing the ball in for Hieu Minh to score.

"We practiced this set piece in yesterday afternoon's training session," Dinh Bac stated post-match. "This is the result of training and thorough preparation."

Dinh Bac's dribbling sequence repeated in the 31st minute, with Ahmad Alif becoming the next victim. However, his cross was slightly too strong for Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong's run.

Beyond troubling Malaysia's defense, Dinh Bac also actively participated in challenges, working with other attackers to form the first line of pressing and defense within the team's system.

In the second half, Vietnam reduced their tempo, allowing Malaysia more possession and focusing on counter-attacks. Dinh Bac and his teammates created additional chances but failed to convert them. He was eventually substituted in the 80th minute, making way for Nguyen Ngoc My.

In the 22nd minute, Dinh Bac performed his signature dribble, this time beating Ubaidullah Shamsul, Malaysia's central defender and captain. Shamsul, considered Malaysia's leader in playmaking and spirit, had only joined the squad on 8/12.

Bac drove the ball down the left side of the penalty area to the byline. Goalkeeper Sharani Zulhimi rushed out to narrow the angle, but the Vietnamese striker chipped a left-footed pass back, setting up Pham Minh Phuc for an easy tap-in into an empty net.

The victory secured Vietnam's top spot in group B and a place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Malaysia's fate hinges on the outcome of tomorrow's match between Myanmar and Indonesia in group C. Despite still having a chance, goalkeeper Sharani (in blue) wept and was comforted by teammates and Vietnamese players.

Minh Phuc celebrated with outstretched arms. In the victory against Laos, he was the one who crossed the ball for Dinh Bac's opening goal, showcasing a strong partnership between the two Cong an Ha Noi FC players.

Nguyen Dinh Bac's excellent first-half performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

Attending the press conference with coach Kim Sang-sik, Dinh Bac stated: "After watching Malaysia defeat Laos, we prepared very thoroughly for today. My two assists are the result of a week of hard training."

Vietnam will await their opponent from group B, likely Philippines, after the group C matches conclude on 12/12.