Dinh Bac played through the pain, revealing the truth behind the dramatic victory against UAE U23.

After the nail-biting victory against the UAE U23 team, Nguyen Dinh Bac left fans speechless when he revealed that he was almost unable to move normally due to a groin muscle injury. Playing through the pain was not only a professional decision but also an emotionally charged choice for a young player.

The 3-2 victory against the UAE U23 team in the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship brought many emotions to Vietnamese fans, but behind that celebration lies an unexpected story involving Nguyen Dinh Bac. The young striker had to play with a complex groin muscle injury, seriously affecting his movement and ball handling abilities.

Immediately after the match, Dinh Bac spoke for the first time about his health condition. He admitted that the pain had appeared since the last training session before the match, making familiar movements difficult. Passing the ball with his dominant foot was almost impossible, and his acceleration was significantly limited. For a player who relies heavily on speed and dribbling, this is a considerable challenge.

According to the striker from Hanoi Police FC, doctors had to use hot oil and carefully bandage his groin area to help him move at a minimal level. However, Dinh Bac understands that this injury carries many risks if he tries to play at high intensity. He himself couldn't hide his anxiety as he clearly felt his body no longer obeying his will.

In that context, coach Kim Sang Sik had a frank discussion with his players. The decision not to field Dinh Bac in the starting lineup was made as a way to both protect the player and create an element of tactical surprise. When the opponent started to tire in the second half, the appearance of the striker born in 2004 brought a breath of fresh air to the Vietnam U23 attack.

Accepting a place on the bench isn't easy for a young player eager to prove himself, but Dinh Bac showed maturity in his thinking. He was willing to sacrifice his personal role to serve the team's common goal. Even when he came on, despite not being in his best physical condition, the striker played with great effort and created significant pressure on the opposing defense.

Nguyen Dinh Bac's story quickly garnered significant attention from fans. Many opinions suggested that his fighting spirit and quiet dedication were noteworthy, especially in the context of a demanding tournament and a packed schedule. Without needing flowery words, his unwavering resilience helped Dinh Bac leave a strong impression on the audience.

The victory against the UAE U23 team was therefore not only a ticket to the next round, but also clear evidence of the resilience and mental depth of the Vietnam U23 team in a tough tournament. For Nguyen Dinh Bac personally, this can be considered a memorable turning point in his young career, as he learned to confront his physical limitations, accept stepping back to serve the team, and mature through each minute of enduring pain on the field. In a context where the team needed individuals who knew how to sacrifice, Dinh Bac's choice showed an image of a player more mature than his age, ready to put the common goal above personal desires.

Dinh Bac scores a spectacular goal to defeat U23 Saudi Arabia, surprisingly leading the AFC poll – a shocking result. Tuyết Anh11:14:13 16/01/2026Dinh Bac scored against U23 Saudi Arabia, helping U23 Vietnam win all their group stage matches and take the lead in the AFC Goal of the Year poll with nearly 70% of the votes, becoming a great source of inspiration before the quarter-final match against U23 UAE.