Tran Nguyen Manh on top of the Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stage
With 70 goals raining down across the 20 group stage matches it was a busy time for many of the goalkeepers at the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup.
Several teams played multiple keepers across their four matches, either through injury or rotation, and that sees our list contain the five most worthy candidates from those nations who impressed in keeping things watertight as well as those who tumbled out of the tournament but where their custodian still shone.
Tran Nguyen Manh may not have had as much to do as other keepers at the tournament but what he’s done he’s done efficiently, saving shots cleanly and also being strong in his distribution.
Nguyen Manh started three of Vietnam’s four games and kept a trio of successive shutouts as the Golden Stars Warriors advanced without conceding a single goal.
Also in the defensive powerhouse of Vietnam team, Que Ngọc Hai is in the list of Best Defender of the Group Stage. “With the four options for the three central defensive spots each having started three matches it’s hard to pick one clear standout but the captain Ngoc Hai gets the slight nod here as he’s had the highest number of recoveries as well as being strong on the ball and in his overall positioning and reading of the play”.
On the other hand, the goal of Nguyen Quang Hai in the match with Malaysia also in the list of Best goal of the Group Stage. “After a period of dominance, Vietnam took the lead against Malaysia shortly after the half hour when their star man smashed home a unstoppable shot from adjacent to the penalty spot. A delightful pass from an off-balance Nguyen Tuan Anh released Nguyen Quang Hai who did the rest with power and placement, as we’ve come to expect from him”.
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