On the evening of June 7, the Vietnam women's volleyball team won the opening match of the AVC Nations Cup 2025 against Hong Kong (China) with a score of 3-0.
In this match, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet did not use key players such as Thanh Thuy, Bich Tuyen, Lam Oanh, Nguyen Trinh... in the starting lineup. Instead, young players and new recruits such as Nguyen Thi Phuong, Vi Nhu Quynh, Ly Ly were given opportunities.
Speaking after the match, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet said: "The coaching staff determined that Hong Kong (China) is a moderate opponent compared to the experiences of the Vietnam women's volleyball team.
We have met them in the 2024 tournament, so right from the starting lineup, I want to make sure that all positions are competed in. There are many positions such as Nguyen Thi Phuong being called up to the national team for the first time or Nguyen Thi Uyen recently returning. They all did very well and that satisfied me.
However, the captain of the Vietnam women's volleyball team also pointed out some factors that the home team has not done well.
"With a match without much pressure, in addition to Khanh Dang still ensuring the libero position and confidence, Ly Ly only played well. In addition, the main attackers only reached about 60% of the first step's receiving. Therefore, they have to try harder and be more confident in the matches.
In terms of attack, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team has a lot of firepower, but there is still a first step and defense is quite a concern, this has been happening for many years. Therefore, in this tournament as well as some other subsequent tournaments, we will have Experiments from young faces to find suitable positions," said Mr. Kiet.
Regarding Bich Tuyen's current condition, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet said: "Before the tournament, Tuyen had a back injury so she did not practice for about 10 days. Therefore, he could not play to his full potential, so he only entered the field for 1 half to regain his feeling. The coaching staff also wants to keep Tuyen, the long way to go and he will have to shine in key matches".
According to the match schedule, the Vietnam women's volleyball team will face Taiwan (China) in the next match. This opponent also just defeated Australia 3-0 on the opening day.
"Up to now, Taiwan (China) has been a team with a fast, defensive playing style and has always caused difficulties for Vietnam. We can beat them in the next 1 or 2 years because they have changed the generation of athletes. However, they still maintain their common identity.
Through the match against Australia, I saw Taiwan (China) playing witholution and speed. The setter position is that the athlete who has just competed in the Japanese tournament should keep the ball in good rhythm. I think the upcoming confrontation with this opponent will be quite difficult and arduous for the Vietnam women's team.
Taiwan (China) is also our most difficult opponent in this group," said coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet.
The match between the Vietnamese women's volleyball team and Taiwan (China) will take place at 8:00 p.m. on June 8.
