The performance of Vietnam U23's top goalkeeper draws attention after a 0-3 defeat.

Coach Van Sy Son praised young goalkeeper Cao Van Binh following the 0-3 loss between Song Lam Nghe An and Hanoi FC.

During the post-match press conference, Coach Van Sy Son commended the competitive spirit of his players, particularly the improvement in the second half. According to this strategist, intense matches at the highest level are valuable opportunities for young players to mature quickly and gain more experience.

He also candidly shared about the improvement of SLNA's defensive line: “Since I took over to build the team, the defense faced many issues and often conceded goals in the final moments. However, entering the second half of the season, the coaching staff tightened discipline and implemented more suitable tactics. Consequently, we significantly reduced pressure on our goal..”

This change made SLNA's defensive system more solid, while also enabling young players to showcase their abilities. Among them, the most frequently mentioned name is goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, who returned after the campaign with Vietnam U23.

The SLNA coach could not hide his satisfaction with the progress of his student: "Van Binh currently plays with great confidence. Since returning from the U23 tournament, his confidence has grown significantly, coupled with an extremely professional attitude in training and daily conduct.".

Besides professional insights, Coach Van Sy Son also shared his personal view on the application of VAR technology in modern football. The SLNA strategist remarked: “On one hand, this technology helps referees make the most accurate judgments and decisions. But on the other hand, when waiting time on the field becomes too long, players easily lose their inspiration and competitive excitement. Nevertheless, that is just one aspect of modern football we must accept..”

The Vietnam U23 team will regroup on March 17 in Hanoi with 30 summoned players. This gathering is part of preparations for the CFA Team China – Xi'an 2026 International Football Tournament, and also aims at the team's important upcoming objectives.

Compared to the roster for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 finals, this training camp retains only five names: goalkeepers Cao Van Binh and Pham Dinh Hai, midfielders Le Van Thuận and Nguyen Cong Phuong, and forward Nguyen Le Phat. Most key players of Vietnam U23 after the recent tournament are now over 21 and are being considered for call-ups to the national team during the FIFA Days in March 2026.