With less than two months until Vietnam’s crucial showdown with Malaysia in the final round of Group F at the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, head coach Kim Sang Sik is entering the decisive phase of squad selection -and few positions are as fiercely contested as goalkeeper.

Following Vietnam’s U23 campaign at the 2026 AFC Championship, Coach Kim and the Vietnam Football Federation have ramped up preparations for the national team’s next outing on March 31. Among the most debated roles is who will guard the net in one of the team’s most pivotal matches.

A major new contender has emerged. On January 28, goalkeeper Patrick Le Giang officially obtained Vietnamese citizenship. Having developed in a European football environment and playing professionally in Vietnam since 2023, Le Giang currently stars for Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC. He brings both high-level experience and long-term potential, fulfilling key criteria for national selection.

With his new status, Le Giang is eligible for a national team call-up this March, joining a growing list of foreign-born or naturalized goalkeepers in Coach Kim’s arsenal. The list already includes Nguyen Filip and the seasoned Dang Van Lam, both of whom have been key figures in past national team campaigns.

But local talent is not to be overlooked. Doan Van Dinh Trieu, who shone as the best goalkeeper at the 2024 ASEAN Cup, remains a formidable candidate. Praised for his leadership and synergy with teammates on the pitch, Dinh Trieu offers both reliability and composure under pressure.

Adding to the mix is rising star Tran Trung Kien. His commanding presence during the U23 Asian Cup 2026 showcased not only improved technical skills but also growing maturity. As Vietnam continues its strategy of rejuvenation with younger players, Trung Kien stands out as a symbol of the team’s future. Should Coach Kim decide to give him the nod, it would reflect both trust in youth and tactical foresight.

Ultimately, the final decision will come down to performances in the ongoing V-League season. All five keepers -Patrick Le Giang, Nguyen Filip, Dang Van Lam, Doan Van Dinh Trieu, and Tran Trung Kien -are currently first-choice at their respective clubs, giving them ample opportunity to make their case.

Coach Kim will be closely monitoring not just form, but also compatibility with the team’s playing style. The goalkeeper who can demonstrate sharp reflexes, consistency, and the ability to organize the defense will likely earn the spot for the high-stakes encounter with Malaysia.

The match on March 31 is not just about three points -it could decide Vietnam’s fate in the Asian Cup 2027. With such high stakes, every position counts, and the battle for the number one jersey may prove just as critical as the game itself.

Dai Nam