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 of the 2026 World Cup.

Compared to the Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian or Indonesian teams, the Philippine team has fallen behind in recent years, often being 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 its squad. The most notable of these 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, Neil Etheridge has played for many English teams, mainly in the lower groups of the Premier League such as Fulham, or playing in the first and second divisions such as Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Walsall, Oldham Athletic or Charlton Athletic.

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

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

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

Neil Etheridge is playing for Birmingham City

Neil Etheridge then moved to Birmingham City and is in his fifth season with the Midlands club.

However, this goalkeeper only played in the first season, before being briefly demoted to the Birmingham 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 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 played for the Philippines since 2008, Neil Etheridge has only played 46 matches for "The Azkals" in the past 15 years, 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 the 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 home 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