After 2 wins with the same score of 3-0 against Gunma Green Wings and Suwon City, Hanoi Tasco Auto won the right to enter the semi-finals one match early, even definitely holding the top spot in the group. In the last match, they meet LPB Ninh Binh - a team fiercely competing with Gunma Green Wings for the remaining spot in the semi-finals.
Hanoi Tasco won set 1 with a score of 25-19 when using the strongest squad with many stars who have been and are wearing the Vietnamese national team jersey such as Nhu Quynh, Yen Nhi, Le Thanh Thuy, Khanh Dang, Doan Xuan... But in the remaining 3 sets, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet changed the squad, bringing young athletes onto the court.
The balance of the match immediately changed. LPB Ninh Binh took advantage of the difference in strength on the court to win quickly the remaining 3 sets, thereby overcoming the opponent with a score of 3-1. This is a just enough result for them to overcome Gunma Green Wings (Japan), winning the last spot in the semi-finals.
After this match, on Vietnamese volleyball forums, many opinions said that Hanoi Tasco Auto played unfairly when not using the strongest force. They also expressed regret that Gunma Green Wings had been eliminated.
Explaining the decision to use personnel, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet shared: "Before the match, the whole team looked forward to the difficult semi-final match against VTV Binh Dien Long An. Therefore, the coaching staff and the whole team determined to rest and avoid injuries.
Hanoi Tasco has 13 athletes, but the level difference between positions is very large, so we have to ensure that some positions are in the best physical condition. They are also faces preparing to compete for a very long period for the Vietnamese team”.
Regarding the performance of the young athletes in the team, Mr. Kiet was not satisfied. He shared: "I am not satisfied. You need to understand that this is a very precious opportunity to play in a tournament like this, so you must show your enthusiasm, and the result we convey from the beginning is not important.
Some players have done quite well like middle blocker Trang, but in positions like libero or main attacker Linh is still not bold enough. Players need to appreciate the opportunities given, because to improve and develop, athletes themselves must always have desire and enthusiasm.
In the semi-finals, Hanoi Tasco Auto will meet the home team VTV Binh Dien Long An. According to Mr. Nguyen Tuan Kiet, psychological factors will play an important role in this match. He said: "Actually, the two teams are too familiar with each other. VTV Binh Dien Long An has foreign players, with outstanding factors like Tran Thi Thanh Thuy.
I think the important factor is which team's coaching staff will relieve the psychological problems for the athletes. The home team will be under great psychological pressure. For Hanoi Tasco Auto, the players will compete with the most comfortable spirit, that is the team's advantage.
The semi-final match VTV Binh Dien Long An vs Hanoi Tasco Auto will take place at 8:00 p.m. on May 21.
