Vietnam faces tough test against Germany in women's world volleyball championship

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and her teammates hope to replicate their impressive first-set performance against Poland when they face a strong German team in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship.

Vietnam vs. Germany: 5 p.m. Monday, 25/8

Germany, ranked 11th by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), sits 11 places above Vietnam. However, for coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's team, the skill gap feels even wider.

Germany is a regular presence in major tournaments, having competed in 18 world championships, including every edition since 1974. In the annual Volleyball Nations League, they recently achieved their best result yet, finishing 7th among the world's top 18 teams.

German captain Camilla Weitzel (1.95 m) in action during their 3-0 victory over Kenya in their opening match of Pool G at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in Thailand, 23/8/2025. Photo: FIVB

In their Pool G opener in Thailand, Germany easily defeated Kenya 3-0 (25-22, 25-8, 25-20). They scored 37 points from attacks, 8 from blocks, 5 from serves, and the remaining 25 points from Kenyan errors.

The German team's average age is 25, and their average height is 1.87 m—a year younger and 9 cm taller than the Vietnamese team. Vietnam experienced a similar European style of play, characterized by strong serves and blocking, in their 4-0 friendly loss to Spain on 17/8 in Hanoi.

Germany's tallest player is outside hitter Camilla Weitzel, standing at 1.95 m. Other key players include Marie Scholzel (1.9 m), Lina Alsmeier (1.89 m), Hanna Orthmann, Monique Strubbe, and Emilia Weske (1.88 m). Alsmeier and Weske each scored 13 points in their first match, while captain Weitzel contributed 9.

Facing this challenge, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's team is maintaining a positive attitude. Their shocking first-set win against Poland demonstrated their potential on the world stage, even though advancing further seems like a long shot.

Coach Tuan Kiet acknowledged his team's strong start against Poland, disrupting their opponents' composure in the first set. However, he admitted that once Poland regained their footing, Vietnam struggled to keep up, particularly with Poland's powerful attacks overwhelming their blocks and defense.

Vi Thi Nhu Quynh (#16) scored 20 points in Vietnam's 3-1 loss to world #3 Poland in their opening match of Pool G at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in Thailand, 23/8/2025. Photo: FIVB

"I want the team to play like they did in the fourth set against Poland," the Vietnamese coach stated. "We were overwhelmed at times, but our first-ball reception was good. Our setting and attacking need more synergy. Hopefully, we will perform better against Germany."

Despite receiving praise for their performance, Vietnam understands the element of surprise may be gone. Meanwhile, Germany aims for a swift victory to conserve energy for their crucial match against Poland.

Opposite hitter Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, who scored 20 points against Poland, is expected to shine against Germany. The team also hopes for strong performances from opposite hitter Nguyen Thi Uyen, outside hitter Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, and Bich Thuy, particularly in blocking.

Winning another set is a realistic goal for Vietnam. This is an opportunity for the team to gain valuable experience and improve their mental fortitude against top-tier opponents, preparing them for greater challenges in the future.