On July 22, the Vietnam women’s volleyball team secured a nail-biting 3-2 victory over U21 Canada in their opening match of Group B at the Shanghai Future Stars 2024 international volleyball tournament.
True to his pre-tournament promises, head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet gave opportunities to young and less experienced players. This starting lineup included debutant attacker Dang Thi Hong, along with Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Thi Tra My, Nguyen Thi Trinh, Dinh Thi Tra Giang, setter Kim Thoa, and libero Le Thi Yen.
Despite fielding a secondary lineup, the Vietnamese team began the match confidently, clinching the first set 25-20. However, U21 Canada, showing their strength, rebounded strongly to take the next two sets 25-22 and 25-20, putting them ahead 2-1.
Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet made crucial adjustments in both personnel and tactics, particularly bringing in top hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen. These changes revitalized the Vietnamese team, enabling them to dominate the fourth set 25-19, leveling the match at 2-2. The decisive fifth set saw Vietnam triumph 15-9, sealing a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
The Vietnam team faces another challenge tomorrow, July 23, as they play their second Group B match against the Shanghai youth team at 18:00. On July 24, at 15:30, they will compete against the Red Sparks from South Korea in their final group match. Finishing first or second in the group will earn Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s squad a spot in the semifinals.
The team’s strong performance in the opening match, especially the resilience shown in coming back from a set down, sets a positive tone for their campaign in the Shanghai Future Stars 2024. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if they can maintain this momentum and advance further in the tournament.
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