In the group stage, Chile defeated Tunisia 3-1 and Bulgaria 3-2, while losing to Japan 1-3, Brazil 0-3, and Thailand 0-3. In the 17th-24th classification round, the South American team beat Mexico 3-0.
In Tuesday evening's 17th-20th place match, Vietnam lacked a key scorer due to the absence of outside hitter Dang Thi Hong, who was suspended for undisclosed reasons. The team's hopes rested on hitters Thuy Linh, Anh Thao, Quynh Huong, and others.
Meanwhile, Chile started strong with a fast-paced, versatile attack. Their powerful serves also caused Vietnam several service errors. In addition, with their superior height, Chile's blocking was highly effective, neutralizing Vietnam's hitters.
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Outside hitter Pham Quynh Huong (14) is blocked by Chilean players in the 17th-20th classification match at the U21 Women's World Volleyball Championship, Tuesday evening. Photo: Volleyball World |
Outside hitter Pham Quynh Huong (14) is blocked by Chilean players in the 17th-20th classification match at the U21 Women's World Volleyball Championship, Tuesday evening. Photo: Volleyball World
Chile led 7-3, then 14-7 and 16-9. Facing the opponent's challenging playing style, the young Vietnamese players' morale dropped, and their play became stagnant. As the point difference widened, they couldn't keep up, losing the first set 17-25.
In the second set, despite coach Nguyen Trong Linh's frequent substitutions and tactical adjustments, the team still couldn't overcome Chile's blockers. While the opponent maintained their impressive scoring streak, the Vietnamese women made errors, quickly falling behind 5-1, 9-4, and then 15-7. With their attacks consistently meeting the opponent's blocking wall, Vietnam struggled to score, losing the second set 15-25.
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Vietnamese players celebrate winning the third set against Chile in the 17th-20th classification match at the U21 Women's World Volleyball Championship, Tuesday evening. Photo: Volleyball World |
Vietnamese players celebrate winning the third set against Chile in the 17th-20th classification match at the U21 Women's World Volleyball Championship, Tuesday evening. Photo: Volleyball World
Learning from the two quickly lost sets, Vietnam played more carefully and strategically in the third set, focusing on each point. Hitters Anh Thao, Quynh Huong, and Thuy Linh diversified their attacks with tips and shots around the block, causing confusion for the opponent.
By the middle of the third set, Vietnam pulled ahead to lead 13-10 and 16-12. Although the opponent successfully used video challenge twice, Vietnam maintained their scoring streak to lead 21-17 and ultimately win the set 25-17.
Despite their spirits lifted by the third-set win, Vietnam started the 4th set poorly, allowing their opponent to lead 7-4 and 9-6. Although they managed to tie the score at 10-10, they couldn't maintain their momentum and fell behind again 18-14 and 21-17. Urged on by the coaching staff, Vietnam closed the gap to 20-21, but subsequent errors led to a 20-25 loss.
Following this 1-3 defeat, Vietnam will compete for 19th-20th place against the Dominican Republic on 16/8.
Duc Dong
