On the evening of August 25, the Vietnam women’s volleyball team, led by the exceptional performance of Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, made a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-2 victory against Expressway (South Korea) at the VTV Ferroli Cup 2024. This victory was crucial, especially after the team suffered a straight-set 0-3 loss to Kuanysh (Kazakhstan) in their opening match.
Determined to bounce back, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet made strategic changes for the match against Expressway. Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen was returned to her preferred position as an opposite hitter, while Vi Thi Nhu Quynh and Tran Tu Linh took the roles of outside hitters. The middle blocker positions were filled by Nguyen Thi Trinh and Le Thanh Thuy. Doan Thi Lam Oanh managed the setting duties, and Nguyen Khanh Dang served as the libero.
Expressway, featuring foreign players Yunieska Ribles from Cuba and Nikolova Merelin from Bulgaria, along with South Korea’s top spiker Kang So-hwi, started the match on a strong note. Despite the Vietnamese team’s efforts to level the score at 14-14, Expressway pulled ahead to clinch the first set 25-18.
In the second set, strategic adjustments, including the introduction of middle blocker Pham Thi Hien, led to an impressive scoring run for Vietnam. The timely substitution of setter Kim Thoa helped maintain a scoring advantage, resulting in a 25-22 win for Vietnam and leveling the match at 1-1.
Despite their efforts in the third set, the Vietnamese team struggled with their defensive play and relied heavily on Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen’s scoring ability. Expressway capitalized on these weaknesses, applying pressure with strong serves and winning the set comfortably at 25-16.
The South Korean side continued their momentum in the fourth set. However, the Vietnamese players fought back with a remarkable six-point streak to turn the game around, taking an 18-15 lead. Bich Tuyen’s crucial points towards the end of the set secured a 25-23 win for Vietnam, tying the match at 2-2.
Heading into the decisive fifth set, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen and her teammates played with intensity and precision. Their aggressive gameplay disrupted Expressway’s rhythm, causing the South Korean team to falter. The Vietnamese team dominated the set, winning 15-8 and sealing a 3-2 victory.
This win showcased the resilience and adaptability of the Vietnam women’s volleyball team, marking a significant turnaround in their campaign at the VTV Ferroli Cup 2024.
The Vietnam team will play their final group match in Group A against Paint Master from the Philippines at 7:00 PM on August 27. The match is highly anticipated as both teams aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the prestigious tournament.
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