Vietnam and Kenya clash at 5 PM Hanoi time on Wednesday, 27/8.
Both teams lost to Germany (0-3) and Poland (1-3), ensuring their elimination from the tournament. While today's match won't affect their advancement, it carries significance, especially for Vietnam.
"Our goal is to win this match," said coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet, aiming for Vietnam's first victory in their debut World Championship appearance.
Setter Lam Oanh added, "We came to this tournament to learn and gain experience. We value every match against strong opponents. I've played against and watched Kenya several times. They play very well. Therefore, Vietnam needs a good strategy, high determination, and hopefully, we will win".
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Vietnamese players are in good spirits after two matches against Poland and Germany at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in Thailand. Photo: FIVB |
Vietnamese players are in good spirits after two matches against Poland and Germany at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in Thailand. Photo: FIVB
Vietnam and Kenya are considered equals, separated by only a few places in the FIVB world rankings. They have played two friendly matches: a 2-2 draw at the 2023 FIVB Challenge Cup in France, and Vietnam's 4-0 win in Hanoi on 19/8.
Coach Kiet has been observing Kenya's performance in the tournament. He respects his opponent, particularly since he feels they haven't shown their full potential in recent encounters.
The African team is physically strong, with aggressive hitters. Outside hitter Veronica Adhiambo and middle blocker Belinda Barasa are their most dangerous players, consistently performing as key players in their previous two matches.
Compared to the fast-paced, versatile, and tall-blocking Germans and Poles, Kenya seems more manageable for Thanh Thuy and her teammates. However, Vietnam must minimize errors from Kenya's powerful serves. A solid first touch from Khanh Dang, Nhu Quynh, Kieu Trinh, Nguyen Uyen, Nguyen Trinh, and Le Thuy is crucial for setters Lam Oanh and Kim Thoa to organize attacks near the net, giving Vietnamese hitters a better chance to score.
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Outside hitter Thanh Thuy attacks against the German block during the second round of Group G at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in Thailand on 25/8/2025. Photo: FIVB |
Outside hitter Thanh Thuy attacks against the German block during the second round of Group G at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in Thailand on 25/8/2025. Photo: FIVB
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship, held in Thailand from 22/8 to 7/9, features 32 teams from five continents, divided into eight groups. Teams play a round-robin format to determine the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16.
As there are no ranking matches for teams outside the top 16, both Vietnam and Kenya will return home after this match.
Duc Dong
