The head coach of the Russian national team, Valery Karpin, announced that Matvey Safonov of Paris Saint-Germain will start in goal for the upcoming friendly against Thailand. The statement came through coverage by Championship and was echoed by the team’s camp, underscoring Safonov’s readiness to assume the starting duties in a key test ahead of competitive fixtures.
According to Karpin, Safonov will take the field in the next match, signaling a clear vote of confidence from the coaching staff in the PSG goalkeeper as the squad gears up for an important international window.
In the most recent international clash, the Russian side defeated Vietnam with a 3-0 scoreline. The opening goal was registered by Daler Kuzyaev, the French-based midfielder with Le Havre who struck in the 24th minute to give his team the early advantage. In the second half, a Vietnamese defender, Van Thanh Vu, inadvertently turned a cross into his own net in the 62nd minute, further widening the gap for Russia. The final tally was completed by Tamerlan Musaev, CSKA Moscow’s forward, who found the net in the 77th minute to seal the victory.
As the narrative moves forward, attention turns to the next fixture, a clash against Thailand scheduled to be played in Hanoi on September 7. At the moment, organizers and officials indicated the match would proceed as planned, with preparations underway as teams assemble for the encounter. This upcoming game is viewed as an opportunity for Safonov to reinforce his case for selection in goal amid ongoing discussions about the squad’s depth between the posts.
Valery Karpin had previously offered compact remarks about Safonov, highlighting the goalkeeper’s form and potential contribution to the squad’s ambitions. The focus remains on evaluating performances, ensuring squad cohesion, and building momentum ahead of forthcoming fixtures in the schedule.
In the broader context, the Russian team is balancing the demands of friendlies with the need to solidify tactical understanding and preserving readiness for the competitive rhythm that follows. The coaching staff continues to assess players across positions, with Safonov emerging as a central figure in the goalkeeping department. The interaction between a growing pipeline of European club players and Russia’s domestic talents remains a key theme as the team navigates a busy slate of international dates.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the team transitions from the Vietnam match to the Thailand test, seeking to measure progress, depth, and the cohesion that could translate into stronger performances in the months ahead. The narrative surrounding Karpin’s selections reflects a focus on balancing experience and opportunity, a core dynamic that will shape how the squad approaches the upcoming challenges and the broader competitive calendar.