Thailand has won all 7 editions of the SEA V-League. Last season, Vietnam lost to Thailand in both final matches of the two legs. This year, at the first leg held in Thailand, the hosts were missing their key player, Chatchu-on, due to injury. This was seen as an opportunity for Thanh Thuy, Bich Tuyen, and their teammates to overturn Thailand's dominance.

The Vietnamese women's volleyball team lost 2-3 to Thailand in the SEA V-League at Nakhon Ratchasima Stadium on the evening of 3/8. Duc Dong

The Vietnamese women's volleyball team lost 2-3 to Thailand in the SEA V-League at Nakhon Ratchasima Stadium on the evening of 3/8. Duc Dong

In front of tens of thousands of spectators at the Nakhon Ratchasima Stadium, Vietnam played confidently and with versatility. Libero Khanh Dang was precise with her first-ball receptions, while setter Lam Oanh distributed the ball effectively, allowing Thanh Thuy and Bich Tuyen to consistently score against the Thai blockers. As a result, Vietnam maintained a two-point lead over their opponent.

However, towards the end of the first set, Vietnam made errors, allowing the hosts to take a 21-20 lead. Coach Tuan Kiet immediately called for a timeout. "You need to stay calm and finish the good opportunities," he urged his players. The players returned to the court with improved performance, capitalizing on opportunities and winning the set 25-23.

In the second set, the hosts played better while Vietnam struggled. Bich Tuyen, neutralized by the Thai blockers, lost confidence and made errors. Substitute setter Kim Thoa also made mistakes, disrupting the team's rhythm. Vietnam trailed Thailand and was constantly playing catch-up.

At 19-21, after a drop shot hit the floor, a Thai player dove to save the ball and scored. Vietnam challenged the call, arguing that the ball had touched the floor. Using video challenge, the referee confirmed the ball had touched the floor and awarded the point to Vietnam, making the score 20-21.

Thailand, unconvinced, launched a counter-challenge, claiming it was a legal save. After 3 minutes, the video challenge reversed the decision, deeming the Thai player's save legal. The Taiwanese referee changed the call, giving Thailand a 22-19 lead. The Vietnamese coaching staff and players could only laugh in disbelief. Vietnam lost momentum and made consecutive errors, losing the set 19-25.

Lam Oanh returned in the third set, but the Vietnamese players were still affected by the previous events and allowed the opponent to take the lead. However, Thanh Thuy and her teammates persevered, eventually tying the score at 15-15. This time, Thailand faltered, losing their rhythm and making frequent incorrect challenges.

In contrast, the Vietnamese attackers were precise in their attacks, taking a 19-16, then 23-19 lead, and ultimately winning the set 25-21 after Thanh Thuy's cross-court smash. This marked the first time in history that Vietnam had won two sets against Thailand on their home turf.

Vietnam started poorly in the 4th set, allowing Thailand to establish a significant lead at 6-1, 8-3, and 10-5. Thanks to adjustments from Coach Tuan Kiet, the team gradually narrowed the gap to 10-12. However, subsequent errors and less effective attacks from Bich Tuyen and Thanh Thuy, which were neutralized by the opponents, led to Vietnam losing the set 17-25.

In the deciding set, both teams fought point for point, with Vietnam taking an 8-7 lead before switching sides. However, the Vietnamese team lost their rhythm and committed errors, allowing Thailand to score 4 consecutive points, taking an 11-8 lead. Despite their efforts, Vietnam couldn't turn the tide and lost 11-15 after a serve went out of bounds.

"Remember these mistakes so we can take revenge next week" in the second leg, Coach Tuan Kiet told his players after the match.

The second leg of the SEA V-League will take place next week in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

Duc Dong