Hanoi, 7 June, 2025 – As Vietnam prepares to face Malaysia in a vital 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match, head coach Kim Sang Sik finds himself in a tough position: choosing between two in-form goalkeepers, Dinh Trieu and Nguyen Filip.
Both players have delivered standout performances in recent months. Dinh Trieu has been a solid presence for Hai Phong throughout the domestic season, missing only a few games due to injury. Meanwhile, Nguyen Filip has risen to prominence with Hanoi Police FC, helping his side claim second place in the 2025 Southeast Asian Club Championship.
Statistically, Filip holds a slight edge thanks to his impressive save rate, height, and ability to play with his feet. However, Dinh Trieu boasts stronger communication with defenders, a factor that has made him more cohesive with the backline – largely due to his native command of Vietnamese.
With both keepers offering unique advantages and neither showing signs of inconsistency, Kim Sang Sik is facing a decision that may ultimately come down to intuition.
Given their history, Dinh Trieu could be the preferred choice. He was introduced into the national spotlight by Kim himself during the 2024 ASEAN Cup and has since earned the coach’s trust.
Whoever gets the nod, the decision will play a critical role in shaping Vietnam’s performance. What matters most is not just form or statistics, but the ability to lead under pressure, rally the defense, and deliver when it truly counts. That, more than anything, is the quality Kim Sang Sik will be banking on as the stakes rise.
Kim Chi
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