From the position of championship candidate, Binh chủng Thông tin - Binh đoàn 19 entered the first round of the 2026 national volleyball championship with many expectations. However, what the army team showed after the first 2 matches is going against expectations, when they have not been able to find the necessary stability.
The 2-3 defeat to Hanoi Tasco Auto in the opening match was not only a slip-up in points, but also exposed previous problems. The team still maintained discipline in their playing style, but lacked a "final point" in decisive moments.
The absence of key opponent Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh significantly reduced the attacking power of Binh Chung Thong Tin. When there is no longer a hitter who can carry points at a crucial moment, the deployment plans become more predictable.
Along with that, the instability in the setter position made Binh Chung Thong Tin's playing style lack rhythm, directly affecting the effectiveness of the attacking spearheads.
In terms of defense, the blocking line has not created enough pressure on the opponent. This is a worrying weakness, because in the context that teams are improving the quality of foreign players, if the blocking system is not improved, Binh Chung Thong Tin will continue to face disadvantages in attacking phases.
Foreign players are expected to be the team's mainstay but have not brought the expected efficiency. The duo Che Wenhan and Sun Jie are still in the process of adapting, not creating a difference compared to Chinese foreign players in other teams, who have quickly become key players after 2 rounds.
In that context, the story does not only stop at each match's achievement, but also directly affects the short-term goal of winning a ticket to participate in the Hung Vuong Cup 2026.
According to the familiar format, the top 4 teams after phase 1 of the national championship will win the right to participate in the Hung Vuong Cup. This means that each match in round 1 is of key significance. With an unfavorable start, Binh chủng Thông tin is making it difficult for themselves in the race to the top 4.
Compared to direct competitors such as VTV Binh Dien Long An, Hanoi Tasco Auto, Hoa Chat Duc Giang or LPB Ninh Binh, the army team does not have an advantage in both points and form. If they continue to miss opportunities, the gap will quickly widen. At that time, the opportunity to participate in the Hung Vuong Cup becomes more fragile.
However, the door is not yet closed. Phase 1 still has 5 matches and with the characteristic of round-robin competition, the opportunity to correct mistakes is still there. The important thing is that Binh Chung Thong Tin needs to quickly regain stability, especially in the stage of organizing the playing style and promoting the effectiveness from foreign strikers.
If adjusted in time, coach Pham Van Long's team can completely return to the top 4 race. Conversely, when the remaining problems are not resolved, the absence from the Hung Vuong Cup 2026 is a possible scenario, something that few people had thought of before the season started.
