U23 Vietnam's number one goalkeeper saves penalties like a god, leading his team to the final.

Goalkeeper Cao Van Binh became the hero of U21 SLNA in the victory over U21 Hanoi, while also showing the potential to become a reliable option for U23 Vietnam in future penalty shootouts.

Previously attracted attention by his handsome appearance in the U23 Vietnam shirt, Cao Van Binh now continues to make his mark with professional ability. The young goalkeeper became the pillar that helped U21 SLNA overcome U21 Hanoi in the semifinals of the 2026 National U21 Championship.

After the two teams drew 1-1 in a tense regular time, the final ticket had to be decided on penalties. There, goalkeeper Van Binh successfully saved one shot in the penalty shootout. Meanwhile, U21 SLNA players converted all four kicks, thereby winning 4-2 and securing the final berth.

Sharing after the match, Van Binh revealed that he often observes and learns from the penalty-saving techniques of English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

“Personally, I learn how to save penalties from Jordan Pickford”, the U23 Vietnam goalkeeper said.

According to Van Binh, the possibility of the match being decided on penalties had been anticipated by U21 SLNA. The whole team spent time practicing penalties to be ready for any scenario.

“The whole team practiced penalties to prepare in case the match had to be decided by a shootout. Everyone executed very well”, the U23 Vietnam goalkeeper stated.

Pickford is known as one of the outstanding penalty-saving goalkeepers in English football. This goalkeeper often studies the opponents' shooting habits, prepares information before the match, and actively puts psychological pressure on the takers.

Not only relying on reflexes, Pickford also emphasizes anticipation, movement on the line, and timing of his dive. The thorough preparation method of the English goalkeeper was applied by Van Binh in his match.

His anticipation ability and composure on the penalty spot promise to make Cao Van Binh an important "weapon" for U23 Vietnam in penalty shootouts, while also opening up the opportunity to compete for a spot on the national team in the future.

U21 SLNA's opponent in the championship match is U21 The Cong Viettel, who defeated LPBank HAGL 2-0 in the other semifinal. The final of the 2026 National U21 Championship will take place at 16:00 on July 25 at PVF Stadium.