Goalkeeper Nguyen Filip is expected to shine at the 2023 Asian Cup. (Photo courtesy of Hanoi Police FC) The Vietnamese team recently convened over theweekend to commence preparations for the 2023 Asian Cup. After medicalexaminations, three players, Nguyen Van Lam, Nguyen Duc Chien, and NguyenThanh Nhan, have not fully recovered from their injuries and will not be ableto join the team for the continental event. It is expected to takeapproximately three more weeks for them to resume training.
In light of this, head coach Philippe Troussierexcluded them from the team, prioritising their well-being and allowing themample time to rest and regain their optimal condition. The aim is to reunite inMarch 2024 for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Lam's absence is particularlydisheartening since he has been the team's No 1 goalkeeper under Troussier'sguidance.
Born in 1993, Lam from Binh Dinh Club was inexcellent form in the V.League 1 before sustaining the injury during the matchagainst Hai Phong on December 27, where he had to leave the field during thesecond half.
Lam was also the national team's primarygoalkeeper during the tenure of Korean coach Park Hang-seo. Together, theysecured victory in the AFF Cup 2018, reached the quarter-finals of the 2019Asian Cup, and advanced to the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup forthe first time in Vietnam’s football history.
In the absence of Lam, Troussier has the option to call upgoalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet from the U23 team while consider another strong performerin the V.League 1, Tran Minh Toan, of Binh Duong.
It is expected that the goalkeeper position will be entrusted toFilip of Hanoi Police Club, who possesses significant experience playing inEurope.
Filip has acquired Vietnamese citizenship and spent eight yearscompeting in the Czech Republic national championship before signing athree-year contract with the Police. He had notable stints with Slovan Liberecand Slovacko clubs, including earning the title of the best goalkeeper in theCzech Republic while playing for Slovan Liberec. He also participated in twoseasons of the Europa League group stage.
The Vietnamese team are currently training at the Vietnam YouthFootball Training Centre in Hanoi. They will depart for Qatar on January5 for further training and have a friendly match against Kyrgyzstan onJanuary 9.
The 2023 Asian Cup finals will be held from January 12 to February10, featuring 24 teams divided into six groups, with the top two teams fromeach group and the four best third-place teams advancing to the round of 16.
Vietnam are placed in Group D and will face Japan on January 14,Indonesia on January 19, and Iraq five days later.
As a reward for participating in the Cup, the team will receive abonus of 200,000 USD from the Asian Football Confederation. If they reach thesemi-finals, the prize money could increase to 1 million USD. The runner-upteam will be awarded 3 million USD, while the champion team will receive 5million USD.
In the previous two editions of the tournament in 2007 and 2019, Vietnamperformed admirably by reaching the quarter-finals./.
VNA
