Vietnam team is about to face a world-class goalkeeper who used to play in the Premier League.

The Vietnam team will compete against the Philippines at Rizal Memorial Stadium on November 16, in the opening match of the second qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.

Compared to the Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian or Indonesian teams, the Philippine team has fallen behind in recent years when they are often eliminated early in the AFF Cup and World Cup qualifiers. However, the team nicknamed "The Azkals" is still very formidable, with stars playing in Europe in the squad. The most notable of which is goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

Born in 1990, with Filipino blood, Neil Etheridge has spent his entire career playing football in England. The 33-year-old goalkeeper spent time as an intern at Chelsea's youth academy, before moving to Fulham and starting his professional career.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge when he played for Cardiff City FC

In his 15 years of playing since the beginning of his career until now, Neil Etheridge has played for a series of English teams, mainly in the lower group in the Premier League such as Fulham, or playing in the first and second division such as Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Walsall, Oldham Athletic or Charlton Athletic.

Neil Etheridge's greatest achievement in his career was winning promotion to the Premier League with Cardiff City in 2018. The Filipino goalkeeper played very consistently in the English First Division with 45 appearances (out of a total of 46 matches), helping Cardiff City finish second with 39 goals conceded (the fewest in the league).

Neil Etheridge's spectacular saves and sure-footed timing helped the Welsh team overcome a series of strong teams to reach the Premier League.

Although Cardiff City had to take the "reverse train" to the first division after only 1 season in the Premier League, Neil Etheridge was still highly appreciated with 38 appearances and many impressive saves. This was also the only season that the Filipino goalkeeper played in the highest division of England.

Neil Etheridge is playing for Birmingham City

Neil Etheridge then moved to Birmingham City and is in his fifth season with the central English team.

However, this goalkeeper only played in the first season, before being briefly demoted to Birmingham's youth team, and when he returned he was only a backup to the main goalkeeper John Ruddy. This season, Neil Etheridge has not played a single match.

Interestingly, the Philippines goalkeeper is currently being coached by Wayne Rooney. The former Manchester United player was appointed to lead Birmingham at the end of October, alongside the new coaching staff including Ashley Cole, the famous former defender who played for Chelsea and the England national team.

Back to his national team career. Although he has been playing for the Philippines since 2008, Neil Etheridge has only played 46 matches for "The Azkals" in the past 15 years, which is an average of 3 matches per year, which is relatively few.

The problem is not Neil Etheridge's talent, but because this goalkeeper plays in England, while the tournaments that the Philippine team participates in such as the AFF Cup, Asian Cup. These tournaments take place at the end and beginning of the calendar year, this is also the time when the competition schedule in the Premier League or English First Division is the most dense and fierce.

That is why Neil Etheride rarely plays for the national team. He only plays in certain matches when the Philippine Football Federation convinces his club to release him.

Neil Etheridge is the fulcrum of the Philippines

However, Neil Etheridge had a chance to face the Vietnamese team at the AFF Cup 2010. At My Dinh Stadium 13 years ago in a group stage match, Neil Etheridge's flying moves helped the Philippines to a shocking 2-0 victory over defending champions Vietnam.

After 13 years, Neil Etheridge is no longer a 20-year-old talent. The Philippine goalkeeper is now 33 years old, a number considered "mature" for a goalkeeper. He also accumulated a lot of experience during his time playing in the foggy country.

Neil Etheridge's class and talent will be the fulcrum for the Philippines to stand firm against the Vietnamese team on November 16, when the two teams compete on the artificial turf of Rizal Memorial.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-sap-doi-dau-thu-mon-dang-cap-tung-choi-o-ngoai-hang-anh-185231106203917721.htm