Germany significantly outmatched Vietnam in all aspects before the match. Not only were they ranked 11 places higher, but they also had an advantage in both age and height. This made it nearly impossible for the Vietnamese players to penetrate the German block.
Vietnam's quick attacks, which proved effective in the first set against Poland, were neutralized by the German team, who anticipated every move. In the first set, Vietnam managed to keep pace initially, tying the score at 6-6. However, Germany then accelerated, leading 10-7, 18-14, and 22-16 before ultimately winning 25-18.
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Vietnam's blockers struggle against Germany in the second round of Pool G at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship on the afternoon of 25/8. Photo: FIVB |
Vietnam's blockers struggle against Germany in the second round of Pool G at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship on the afternoon of 25/8. Photo: FIVB
The second set saw Germany continue to dominate with powerful spikes over the Vietnamese block. While Vietnam minimized their first-step errors, they couldn't create opportunities against Germany's towering defense. Germany easily took the lead at 11-5 and 18-8, quickly finishing the set 25-17.
Facing Germany's varied and fast-paced attacks, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet instructed his team to slow down the game and set the ball further from the net to avoid being blocked. This strategy allowed Vietnam to keep the score close in the initial stages of the third set. Thanh Thuy and her teammates rallied, tying the score at 5-5 and then taking an 8-5 lead, forcing Germany to call a timeout. Upon returning, Germany showcased their experience, scoring 5 consecutive points to regain the lead.
From there, the match slipped away from Vietnam. Coach Kiet's players tried to catch up but couldn't close the gap, trailing 10-8, 14-12, and 21-15 before losing 21-25.
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Despite their efforts, Vietnam could not overcome Germany in the second round of Pool G at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship. Photo: FIVB. |
Despite their efforts, Vietnam could not overcome Germany in the second round of Pool G at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship. Photo: FIVB.
Thanh Thuy was Vietnam's top scorer with 17 points, although her powerful spikes were often blocked by the German defense. Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh was the second-highest scorer with 6 points. "We lost to Germany today, but the whole team tried our best and showed what we are capable of," Kieu Trinh said after the match. "We thank the fans for their continued support and are determined to win against Kenya in our final match."
Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet acknowledged that Germany's speed and skill were difficult for his team to counter. "The important thing is that I see my players growing with each match. This is a valuable opportunity for us to prepare for our specific goal, the 33rd SEA Games at the end of the year," Kiet said.
Vietnam will face Kenya on 27/8.
Duc Dong
