Can Cao Van Binh threaten Trung Kien's position?

Van Binh had an excellent performance to help U22 Vietnam keep a clean sheet against U22 China. Photo: FBNV .

U22 Vietnam had a smooth start in this match when they defeated host U22 China with a score of 1-0. The only goal was scored by Pham Minh Phuc in the 81st minute. Besides the golden goal of the player under the CAHN, the saves of goalkeeper Cao Van Binh became one of the bright spots of U22 Vietnam in this match.

The flag goes to Cao Van Binh

On a day when the U22 Vietnam strikers missed many opportunities, Van Binh's solidity and excellent reflexes helped the team of acting coach Dinh Hong Vinh stand firm against great pressure from the home team. First of all, we must mention the save in the 17th minute by the goalkeeper wearing the SLNA shirt. After the Chinese player's first shot went over the bar, the second shot was from close range and went low to the left corner of the goal, but Van Binh's reflexes were lightning fast, jumping up to make an excellent save.

In the 28th minute, he continued to score points when he bravely rushed out and caught the ball right at Behram Abduweli's feet in a dangerous face-off. His decisive handling and reasonable entry and exit showed the clear maturity of the goalkeeper born in 2005.

Van Binh's excellent performance reminded fans of SLNA's away match against Ninh Binh in round 10 of V.League 2025/26. Facing the attack of a team considered the strongest in the tournament at the moment, Van Binh played impressively. He continuously made stars like Hoang Duc, Quang Nho, Dinh Thanh Binh or Gustavo Henrique hold their heads in regret. He kept the goal of the Nghe team steady for 85 minutes, until Gia Hung's tricky shot brought victory to the home team.

In fact, before the Panda Cup, the number one goalkeeper position of U22 Vietnam almost automatically belonged to Tran Trung Kien. The HAGL goalkeeper played outstandingly in the U23 Southeast Asia 2025 and the U23 Asia 2026 qualifiers. However, Trung Kien's call-up to the national team to prepare for the match against Laos in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers opened up opportunities for Van Binh. Of course, he took full advantage of this "golden opportunity". His confident, calm and confident performance against the host China was a strong affirmation that he was capable of challenging his senior.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's pleasant headache

Both Van Binh and Trung Kien are currently the number one goalkeepers of their respective clubs in the V.League. At SLNA, Van Binh has played consistently, saving many times for the Nghe An team.

Van Binh (middle) could threaten Trung Kien's position (number 1). Photo: FBNV.

Meanwhile, Trung Kien is a reliable stopper of HAGL, trained through many difficult matches. The two young goalkeepers were born after 2003, have good height and modern thinking. A healthy competition promises to bring positivity to Vietnamese football.

If Trung Kien has somewhat asserted himself in regional tournaments, Van Binh is showing a timely breakthrough. Both possess the qualities of a new generation of goalkeepers, with good reflexes, good footwork, boldness to come out and frequent communication with the defense. Their presence helps coach Kim Sang-sik feel more secure in his journey towards the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

The competition between Van Binh and Trung Kien not only increases the depth of the squad but also brings development motivation for both. In the future, they can become worthy successors to seniors like Dang Van Lam, Nguyen Dinh Trieu or Filip Nguyen in the national team.

From the victory over the host China, Vietnamese fans can expect that the goal of U22 Vietnam is gradually being "double-guaranteed" by two talented, brave and promising goalkeepers. This competition, although quiet, is also a positive sign for the journey to conquer new heights of Vietnamese youth football.

Source: https://znews.vn/cao-van-binh-co-the-de-doa-vi-tri-cua-trung-kien-post1602298.html