Goalkeeper Hong Son explains why Van Lam was positioned off-center in the goal.

According to goalkeeper Duong Hong Son, Iraq's free-kick was too tricky, so goalkeeper Dang Van Lam cannot be blamed. The former national team player analyzed: "Iraq's free-kick was excellent. As for standing in the wall, it depends on the height of the defenders and the goalkeeper."

I'm explaining this to clarify the question of why goalkeepers don't stand in the center of the goal during free kicks. The goalkeeper's positioning depends on their height and the free kick's angle. If the goalkeeper is tall, they'll stand at a distance of 3-7 inches from the goal; if they're not tall, the ratio will be 4-6 inches.

The situation that led to goalkeeper Van Lam's 2-3 defeat. Photo: AFC

"I think there's nothing to criticize about Dang Van Lam. The opposing team took that shot very dangerously," said the champion and best goalkeeper of the 2008 AFF Cup.

He said: "At the beginning of the match, Iraq seemed to underestimate us; that was their approach. Then, after Vietnam scored, Iraq pushed forward in the second half."

Commenting on the match overall, the former goalkeeper from Nghe An province said there was nothing to criticize about the Vietnamese team's performance against Iraq, and that goalkeeper Dang Van Lam made no mistakes in any of the three goals conceded against Iraq.

It's worth remembering that the Vietnamese team played very well against Iraq in the first half, taking the lead twice. Cong Phuong played exceptionally well, making significant contributions to both goals, including a strike in the 42nd minute. However, the difference in skill and physical fitness allowed Iraq to come back and win 3-2.

Sharing the same opinion as Duong Hong Son, goalkeeper Nguyen The Anh stated: "When faced with free kicks outside the 16.5-meter box, goalkeepers often choose between 3-7, 4-6, or even 4-5 or 5-5 depending on the distance between the ball and the goal."

There are usually barriers protecting the goal, which limits the goalkeeper's view. Therefore, to save a set-piece, in addition to choosing a good position, the goalkeeper must observe the moment the opponent makes contact with the ball to predict the ball's trajectory, which is very important.

In Văn Lâm's case yesterday, I think his position at 4-6 (making it more difficult for the opponent to choose a shooting angle) would have been better than the 3-7 he chose. And with that kind of ball trajectory, it would be difficult for any goalkeeper to save, let alone Văn Lâm.

I've watched Van Lam play since the AFF Cup, and in the match against Iraq, I'd like to offer a small suggestion: since he has a physical advantage, he should be more proactive in the penalty area, especially in situations where the opponent crosses from the flanks. This would greatly benefit Vietnam's defense when dealing with opponents who are significantly superior in terms of physique.

SOME SIMILAR SITUATIONS RELATED TO IRAQ'S FREE KICKS AROUND THE WORLD

It's clearly visible in this situation that the ball left Ali Adnan's foot heading towards the right corner, but Van Lam's upper body was still facing to the left. Photo: Getty Images

Uzbekistan vs. Japan match (2009).

The AC Milan goalkeeper was positioned off-center during Messi's free kick.

Ronaldo's free-kick.

When G. Bale took the free kick, the goalkeeper was also positioned slightly to the right.

The goalkeeper in the blue shirt was positioned completely off-center during Pjanic's free kick.

Will Bui Tien Dung replace Van Lam as the starting goalkeeper at the 2019 Asian Cup?

(Baonghean.vn) - The situation regarding goalkeeper Dang Van Lam's departure from Hai Phong to find a new club is still unresolved. This will undoubtedly affect Van Lam's morale if he is given the opportunity to play in the upcoming Asian Cup.