Le Giang Patrik uncertain for Pakistan match

Coach Kim Sang-sik is monitoring Le Giang Patrik's injury status before selecting the starting goalkeeper for the final Group B match against Pakistan in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

Vietnam will face Pakistan at 16h on 2/10, with live coverage on VnExpress.

Goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik's participation in the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Group B match against Pakistan remains uncertain due to an elbow injury. Coach Kim Sang-sik stated that he is closely monitoring Le Giang's condition before making a final decision on whether he or Trung Kien will start. The crucial match is scheduled for 16h on 2/10.

Le Giang sustained the injury in the 51st minute of Vietnam's 0-2 loss to Thailand on 29/9. While attempting to save Sarach Yooyen's free kick, which hit the post, Le Giang's arm forcefully struck the goalpost. Despite the pain, the 34-year-old goalkeeper completed the match.

Goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang during the afternoon training session on 1/10 at Madya field, within the Gelora Bung Karno complex, Jakarta, Indonesia, in preparation for the match against Pakistan. *Photo: Duc Dong*

After a day of rest yesterday, Le Giang returned to training this afternoon, 1/10, at Madya field in Jakarta. However, coach Kim expressed caution about his readiness to start tomorrow evening. "The team will closely monitor Le Giang's condition during today's training session and tomorrow. I will discuss with the goalkeeper coaches before deciding whether he or Trung Kien will play," coach Kim remarked before the session.

Born in Lucenec, Slovakia, Le Giang is the second child of a Vietnamese father and a Slovak mother. He represented Slovakia's U17 to U21 national teams and played for Bohemians 1905 in the Czech Republic. After a three-year process, he obtained Vietnamese citizenship in early 2026 and received FIFA approval to switch national teams.

Coach Kim Sang-sik first called up the 1,88 m tall goalkeeper to the Vietnam national team in June 2026. Le Giang quickly became the starting goalkeeper, debuting in a 4-0 victory over Myanmar. His reflexes, ability to command the defense, and consistent performance have made him a crucial factor in Vietnam's campaign to defend its Southeast Asian championship title at the ASEAN Cup 2026.

In Vietnam's opening FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 match, Le Giang played exceptionally, making at least three brilliant saves that contributed to Vietnam's 1-0 win against the Philippines. Against Thailand, he was not at fault for the two goals conceded and also prevented a clear goal in the 80th minute from a close-range header by Peeradol Chamratsamee.

Le Giang diving to block Peeradol Chamratsamee's close-range header in the 80th minute of Vietnam's 0-2 loss to Thailand at Bandung stadium, Indonesia, on 29/9. *Photo: Duc Dong*

The team, led by coach Kim, traveled from Bandung to Jakarta yesterday. They trained this afternoon at the Gelora Bung Karno complex, preparing for the Pakistan match. Vietnam needs only a draw to secure second place in Group B and advance to the third-place playoff. Coach Kim affirmed that the team is seriously preparing, including a video analysis session of their opponent. "We absolutely must win. The entire team will strive, viewing this match as a good opportunity for each member to grow," he emphasized.

The Korean tactician also revealed that he had identified the team's issues from the 0-2 loss to Thailand on 29/9, for collective learning. He expressed hope that these lessons would help the Vietnam national team perform well and win both the match against Pakistan and the upcoming third-place playoff.