The bright spots
At the first leg of the SEA V.League 2025 in Ratchasima (Thailand), the Vietnamese women's team finished second again after defeating Indonesia 3-0, beating the Philippines 3-1, and then losing 2-3 to defending champions Thailand. This marks the fifth consecutive time that coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's team has won a silver medal at a SEA V.League leg since 2023.
The Vietnamese girls performed well in the decisive match, but we lacked luck and composure at crucial moments. Meanwhile, the Thai women's team, despite not having their strongest squad, still demonstrated the prowess of the region's number one team, and regularly participate in top-tier world tournaments such as the FIVB Nations League and the World Championship.
The 2-3 defeat in Ratchasima also marked the first time in history that the Vietnamese women's national team won two sets against Thailand on their home ground. Previously, in the second leg of the SEA V.League 2024, Bich Tuyen and her teammates also achieved this, but that took place at their home stadium in Vinh Phuc (formerly Vinh Phuc province). Clearly, the Vietnamese women's national team has made significant progress and is gradually narrowing the gap in their encounters with Thailand.
Moreover, the players' mental fortitude was maintained despite having to compete under immense pressure from the fans in the stands and the strength of their opponents on the court. On an individual level, middle blocker Bich Thuy was the biggest highlight of the Vietnamese women's team in the first leg. Not only was she solid in blocking and effective in attacking, but Bich Thuy also provided excellent defensive support.
The "best middle blocker" award is a well-deserved reward recognizing the efforts of the female player born in 2000. Meanwhile, Bich Tuyen maintained her excellent scoring performance and continued to be honored as the "best opposite hitter of the tournament," while Khanh Dang continued to prove her status as the team's number one libero.
Will the debt be collected?
However, against Thailand, the Vietnamese women's team continued to expose weaknesses in their first-pass reception. Their opponents were incredibly skilled, serving very well and knowing how to exploit weaknesses, which limited the Vietnamese team's attacking power. The Thai blockers not only effectively neutralized Thanh Thúy, but also meticulously defended against Bích Tuyền's spikes.
Furthermore, the team's setters' lack of creativity also contributed to the hitters being predictable. In the match against Thailand, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet alternated between two setters, Lam Oanh and Kim Thoa, but the results were not as expected. “In the match against Thailand, we and the opposing team had moments of back-and-forth play. We will learn from this match and provide feedback to the players when we return to Vietnam to prepare for the second leg of the SEA V.League 2025,” said coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet.
In reality, the Thai women's volleyball team is no longer as superior to the Vietnamese girls as before. The "Land of the Golden Pagoda" team only has an edge in terms of stability, consistency, and battlefield experience, especially mental strength. Furthermore, their recent participation in the FIVB Nations League 2025, as well as the absence of two key players, Chatchuon and Wimonrat, has affected their strength in the SEA V.League 2025.
This is the perfect time for the Vietnamese women's team to change their history of losing every match against their opponent. Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's team almost achieved that in Ratchasima, and they will certainly be even more determined and strive harder when they return to Ninh Binh for the second leg. "In five days, the second leg will take place at home, and then the Vietnamese women's volleyball team will get revenge on Thailand," Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet affirmed after the match against Thailand in the first leg.
The Vietnamese women's volleyball team has made remarkable progress recently, consistently setting historical milestones at international tournaments, including three AVC Nations Cup championships (2023, 2024, 2025) and a bronze medal at the FIVB Challenge Cup 2024. The next goal for Vietnamese women's volleyball is to conquer regional tournaments, including the 33rd SEA Games.
To achieve that, the Vietnamese girls need to defeat Thailand, which is also the top priority set by the coaching staff for the players. If they win against the Thais in the second leg of the SEA V.League 2025, the Vietnamese girls will not only change history but can also realistically aim for a gold medal at the SEA Games 33 on their opponent's home soil.
The Vietnamese women's national team has finalized its official 14-player roster for the second leg of the SEA V.League 2025, including: Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Tran Thi Phuong (outside hitters); Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh (opposite hitters); Nguyen Thi Trinh, Le Thanh Thuy, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Pham Thi Hien (middle blockers); Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Vo Thi Kim Thoa (setters); Nguyen Khanh Dang, Luu Thi Ly Ly (liberos). The only change from the first leg is the return of outside hitter Tran Thi Phuong, replacing Nguyen Thi Ninh Anh in the libero position. In the second leg, coach Tran Tuan Kiet's team will compete against the Philippines (August 8), Indonesia (August 9), and Thailand (August 10).
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/quyet-tam-thay-doi-lich-su-159091.html
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