Vietnam to face China in ASIAD 2026 women's volleyball quarterfinals after South Korea loss

Plagued by numerous reception and setting errors, Vietnam lost to South Korea 1-3 (19-25, 21-25, 28-26, 18-25) in their final group D match of women's volleyball at ASIAD 2026 on the afternoon of 18/9.

Vietnam and South Korea had already secured their quarter-final berths, but the outcome of this match significantly impacted their path forward. The winner would top the group for an easier quarter-final opponent, while the loser would likely face China, the gold medalist in the two most recent Asian Games.

Similar to their match against Hong Kong, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet fielded his preferred lineup. Captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy led the team, joined by Vo Thi Kim Thoa, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Le Nhu Anh, and teenage duo Bui Thi Anh Thao and Pham Quynh Huong.

Vietnamese blockers were helpless against South Korea's spikes during Vietnam's 1-3 loss in the final group D match of women's volleyball at ASIAD 2026, held at Park Arena Komaki, Komaki city, Aichi province, Japan on 18/9/2026. *Photo: VFV*

In 2023, a high-performing Vietnam twice defeated South Korea in the group stages of ASIAD 19 and the Asian Championship. However, fortunes have reversed recently, with Vietnam losing their two most recent encounters. Players were tense in the first set, making numerous errors that allowed South Korea to build a significant lead. Yet, after settling, the team improved, equalizing and then taking a 21-19 lead. At a crucial moment, the team lost composure, making several reception and setting errors. South Korea capitalized, scoring six consecutive points to win the set 25-19.

In the second set, South Korea immediately took a 5-1 lead, extending it to 7-2. Thanh Thuy and her teammates fought hard, battling for every point to narrow the gap, eventually leveling at 17-17 and 20-20. However, the scenario from the first set recurred: reception errors allowed the opponent to pull away and win 25-21.

Vietnam started the third set stronger, but South Korea soon took a 12-8 lead. With their backs against the wall, Thanh Thuy, Quynh Huong, Luu Hue, and Tra My scored vital points to tie the game at 13-13. The teams continued to trade points before Vietnam surged ahead to a 24-21 lead. After missing five set points, Vietnam finally secured the set on their sixth attempt, with Quynh Huong serving an ace to win a dramatic 28-26.

Despite the set victory, Vietnam could not maintain their momentum. Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's players began to tire, losing focus and often faltering in sustained rallies. The team lost the final set 18-25, concluding the match after four sets in 1 hour and 53 minutes.

Vietnam will have a day of rest before facing China in the quarterfinals on 20/9. Should they lose this match, Vietnam will proceed to play in the 5th-8th place classification round.