Nguyen Van Vi: A small defender, great value

Vietnam's 3-0 win against Indonesia is another demonstration of why Coach Kim Sang Sik has complete faith in the team's smallest player.

The goal in the 6th minute sums up the value of the 28-year-old player. From a very tight angle on the left flank,Van Viunleashed a clever shot that deceived the Indonesian goalkeeper, who could only watch as the ball flew into the net.

It was not the most beautiful goal of the tournament, but it was certainly one of the most significant.

It broke the deadlock, silenced the Pakansari stands, and helpedthe Vietnam national teamcompletely relieve the pressure after the draw with Singapore at My Dinh Stadium a few days earlier.

It's no coincidence that Van Vi was named Man of the Match. Sofascore gave him an 8.0 rating, the highest in the game. Besides the opening goal, the 28-year-old defender also excelled in his defensive duties, seamlessly transitioning between attack and defense, and was always a key receiving point on the left flank. It was a complete performance of a modern defender, capable of defending but also dangerous when joining the attack.

What is special is that Van Vi continues to score in a big match underCoach Kim Sang Sik. Although his form at Nam Dinh Club last season was not outstanding, whenever he puts on the national team jersey, the smallest player of the Vietnamese team transforms into a different version.

He always appears at the right time and place to make a difference. It is no longer luck, but the knack of a player with instinctive positioning, confidence, and a very strong mental game.

Six goals in 18 matches over the past two years is an astonishing statistic for a left-back. Few players in this position in Vietnamese football have maintained such an impressive scoring rate. Van Vi is not merely a winger; he has become a dangerous "drill" in Coach Kim Sang-sik's tactical system.

Because he fully understands those qualities, the Korean strategist continues to place his trust in Van Vi over more experienced names like Van Hau or Tuan Tai. That decision once again shows Mr. Kim's ability to judge people. In an important match, he chose the player best suited to the tactics, not the most famous name. And Van Vi responded with a perfect performance.

At 28, Van Vi is entering the prime of his career. He has the maturity of experience but still retains abundant energy to attack and defend tirelessly. Most importantly, he brings a sense of security to the coaching staff whenever he is given the opportunity.

The victory over Indonesia was a collective achievement, but Van Vi's opening goal completely changed the course of the match. It relieved the pressure on the Vietnam team, instilled confidence in his teammates, and was a strong affirmation to Coach Kim Sang Sik that his trust in the left-back born in 1998 was completely justified.