After defeating host Indonesia 3-0 and then upsetting Serbia 3-1, Vietnam held the second position in Pool A with 6 points, trailing behind Argentina only due to set difference. A victory against Canada would secure their spot in the round of 16.
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Vietnam's U21 team celebrates their 3-1 victory against Canada in the third round of Pool A at the FIVB Volleyball Women's U21 World Championship, Thursday, 9/8. Screenshot |
Vietnam's U21 team celebrates their 3-1 victory against Canada in the third round of Pool A at the FIVB Volleyball Women's U21 World Championship, Thursday, 9/8. Screenshot
Facing the taller North American team, Vietnam maintained their confidence and enthusiasm from the start. Excellent first-ball receptions and precise sets enabled Dang Hong and her teammates to exchange points with Canada. Midway through the first set, Vietnam pulled ahead, creating leads of 17-14 and 22-18, before securing the set 25-19 with a powerful spike from Pham Quynh Huong.
The second set remained a close contest. Canada significantly reduced their service errors from the first set and effectively blocked spikes from Dang Hong, Quynh Huong, and Thuy Linh. Vietnam, initially leading, fell behind due to errors. Despite rallying to tie the score at 18-18, 19-19, and 23-23, and even reaching set point, they ultimately lost 24-26.
In the third set, Vietnam still struggled with their first-ball reception, allowing Canada to take an early lead. However, strategic substitutions, including the libero and opposite hitter, revitalized the team. Vietnam capitalized on opportunities, scoring crucial points to take a 16-10 and then 19-13 lead. Powerful serves from Nhu Anh, combined with precise attacks, propelled Vietnam to a 25-19 set victory.
Vietnam showcased a dynamic playing style in the fourth set with excellent serving, resilient defense, and effective blocking, leading to an 8-point run. Despite Canada's attempts to regroup through substitutions and timeouts, Vietnam extended their lead with another 5-point streak, reaching a remarkable 13-0 score. Khanh Huyen achieved the longest serving streak of the tournament so far (13).
Riding their momentum, Vietnam's attacks consistently scored. Coach Trong Ninh didn't even need to make substitutions or call timeouts as his players maintained their dominance, winning the set by an astounding 25-5 and securing the match 3-1.
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The score statistics demonstrate Vietnam's dominance. |
The FIVB Volleyball Women's U21 World Championship, held in Surabaya, Indonesia, from 7 to 17/8, features 24 teams. Vietnam is placed in Pool A alongside host Indonesia, Serbia, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Vietnam will face Argentina at 10:00 a.m. on 11/8.
Duc Dong
