Vietnam national team 'changes' important position: 1.91 m tall goalkeeper to replace Van Lam?

After fielding an experienced squad in the first leg against Nepal (October 9), coach Kim Sang-sik can rejuvenate the Vietnamese team in the rematch 3 days later at Thong Nhat Stadium.

Vietnam team gives 'flag' to U.23 factor?

The Vietnamese team played Nepal in the first leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with a purely experienced squad. The 11 starting players were all born before 2000, the youngest was Hai Long (25 years old), the oldest was Van Lam (32 years old).

Just like the match against Malaysia 4 months ago, coach Kim Sang-sik was cautious with young players, not giving any U.23 players a starting position.

Even though playing against Nepal (62 places lower on the FIFA rankings) at home, Mr. Kim still reserved his opinion of fielding an experienced and safe squad to ensure 3 points.

Van Lam is the starting goalkeeper in the first leg against Nepal.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENCE

When he did not know Nepal’s strength, it was understandable that coach Kim Sang-sik was cautious. But when he understood his opponent and won to gain a psychological springboard, the Korean coach’s view of the young players would be more open.

In the rematch against Nepal on October 14, the U.23 Vietnam stars will have the opportunity to "take action". In the goal, goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien (HAGL) or Nguyen Van Viet (The Cong Viettel ) can be chosen to replace Dang Van Lam.

In the match on the evening of October 9, Van Lam was chosen to start. During the entire match, the goalkeeper born in 1993 did not have the opportunity to show his talent, as Nepal did not create much pressure. He conceded a goal in the only attack of the South Asian representative. In the rest of the match, Van Lam only had the task of distributing the ball to the defense to launch the attack.

Facing a defensive-minded opponent like Nepal, the Vietnamese team has the opportunity to test their goalkeeper. Both Van Viet and Trung Kien deserve the chance.

Trung Kien has played 7 matches for U.23 Vietnam (5 clean sheets), and is also having his second season as a starting goalkeeper for HAGL. His height of 1.91 m, long arm span and ball catching technique are advantages, helping Trung Kien lead the young goalkeepers.

Trung Kien has a chance?

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Van Viet also played consistently with 5 appearances for The Cong Viettel. The youngest captain of V-League 2023 - 2024 has a steady development momentum as he plays more and more confidently.

For young goalkeepers, the opportunity to play is the most important factor. Van Lam debuted for the Vietnam national team at the age of 24, in a 0-0 draw with Jordan in the 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers (January 2017). The same thing could happen to Van Viet or Trung Kien, when the right time, place, and people have come together for young goalkeepers to "debut" in front of fans.

In defense, Nguyen Hieu Minh (PVF-CAND) and Nguyen Nhat Minh ( Hai Phong ) are still waiting for their debut match for the national team, even if it's just from the bench.

He cannot yet compare with his seniors in terms of fighting spirit, but the young players need to get used to it in order to improve. If the Vietnamese team has an early advantage against Nepal (leading by 2 goals or more), the young defender will have a chance.

Refresh the attack

In the match against Nepal, Nguyen Thanh Nhan entered the field in the 63rd minute, while Nguyen Dinh Bac played the last 10 minutes.

Thanh Nhan brought energy and mobility, helping the Vietnamese team fully exploit Nepal's physical weaknesses.

Dinh Bac only had a few minutes, but had a dangerous shot. Dinh Bac's talent was recognized 1 year ago, with goals against the Philippines (2026 World Cup qualifiers) and Japan (2023 Asian Cup).

Thanh Nhan (right) played enthusiastically in the 30 minutes she was present.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENCE

Despite going through a period of turmoil at the club, Dinh Bac has returned to start a new journey. The type of striker who can operate independently and make bold breakthroughs like the former Quang Nam striker can bring new vitality to the attacking line that has been lacking ideas under coach Kim Sang-sik.

Similarly, the aspirations of new players like Thanh Nhan, Xuan Bac... are all very valuable for Mr. Kim to shape the team for the next 2-3 years.

Perhaps, the young faces will only come on the field from the bench, but every minute playing on the field in the national team jersey is a valuable lesson for U.23 Vietnam to accumulate lessons for SEA Games 33 and the 2026 U.23 Asian finals.

Young people need to be trusted to have a starting point in the Vietnam national team. The U.23 team has been and will always be ready. As for how much trust Mr. Kim has, let's wait for the answer on October 14.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-thay-mau-triet-de-thu-mon-cao-191-m-bat-thay-van-lam-185251011140652544.htm