PSG goalkeeper regrets missing out on chance to play in Vietnam due to typhoon Yagi

In a video posted by the Russian Football Union (RFU) on Saturday evening, Safonov was asked about his feelings regarding the cancellation of the friendly match. The 24-year-old goalkeeper expressed disappointment, noting that despite seeing a tree nearly falling onto a car, he believed the match could still have taken place.

"I took a closer look and felt like the match could still be played," Safonov said. "I don't understand why it was canceled."

From 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday when the match was supposed to take place, typhoon Yagi hit Hanoi with heavy rain and winds exceeding 130 kph. Authorities in the capital had advised residents to stay indoors.

The option of postponing the match to Sunday was considered. However, Russia ultimately decided to cancel, citing uncertainty about the weather on the following day. Additionally, a postponement would have further delayed the players' return to their clubs, affecting their preparation for the national championship.

Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov practices at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi on Sept. 4, 2024. Photo by Team Russia

Safonov had traveled more than 10,000 km to Vietnam, alongside midfielder Daler Kuzyayev. Both players transited through Turkey from France before arriving in Hanoi on Sept. 4. Safonov, who plays for French gaint PSG, is one of the most prominent players of the national team. PSG previously paid US$22 million to acquire him from Russian club Krasnodar.

Unlike Kuzyayev, who played the full game in the team's 3-0 victory against Vietnam on Thursday, Safonov did not feature in the match due to fitness reasons. Goalkeeper coach Vitaly Kafanov had planned for Safonov to play the match against Thailand, which are considered a stronger opponent with a higher FIFA ranking than Vietnam. However, typhoon Yagi disrupted the plan.

"This isn't the first time a football match has been canceled," Safonov said. "I wanted to play, but we cannot control the weather. The priority now is to return to Russia immediately. Otherwise, with this weather, things could get much worse."

In the early hours of Sunday, Safonov and the team boarded a private plane to fly back to Russia before returning to France. During this national team gathering, he has traveled over 20,000 km but did not get the chance to play. The star keeper now faces tough competition for the starting spot at PSG with Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.