Coach Kim Sang-sik kept the same choice in the goal when giving the names Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Nguyen Filip and Tran Trung Kien.
Some other goalkeepers such as Trinh Xuan Hoang, Nguyen Van Viet or Dang Van Lam are absent. This decision of the Korean coach is not surprising.
Among the 3 players called up, Nguyen Filip has become a difficult problem for Mr. Kim Sang-sik and especially goalkeeper coach Lee Won-jae.
Previously, at the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Nguyen Filip seemed to be sure of a starting position but was eventually on the bench. The explanation from the coaching staff is just "connection and language".
Dinh Trieu seized the opportunity and became a key factor of the Vietnam national team in the journey to the throne.
In fact, it is difficult to say that the goalkeeper of Hai Phong club played excellently. But his calmness and certainty are enough to bring the title to Vietnamese football.
To be more precise, Dinh Trieu has a fate in front of a wooden frame. He caught very well and had a little luck.
Nguyen Filip is not lacking any factor except for a little luck. There was a video of Duy Manh teaching Nguyen Filip to "show off" the traditional way.
But that is just a funny story mentioned by fans. For coach Kim Sang-sik, expertise affects personnel decisions. In this aspect, Nguyen Filip deserves a chance.
Unlike the match against Laos, Malaysia is a really difficult opponent for the Vietnam team. Vietnam's attack is being affected, and the defense is not very solid.
Obviously, an experienced goalkeeper will support the "Golden Star Warriors" system well.
In the return period of V.League and in the Southeast Asian arena, Nguyen Filip played very well. This overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper continuously made excellent saves, helping the Hanoi Police club avoid many goals conceded.
In the second leg of the final, he successfully pushed 2 penalties but it was not enough to help the Vietnamese representative win the cup.
Above all, the figure of the goalkeeper of European class gradually reappeared with Nguyen Filip. He deserves to have the opportunity to return to the Vietnam national team and the decision lies with Mr. Kim Sang-sik.
