Tonight (July 26), the Vietnamese men's volleyball team will meet Thailand in the final of leg 2 of SEA V.Cup 2026 taking place in Indonesia. This is the 2nd time the two teams have faced each other in this leg, after a group stage match where Vietnam lost 2-3.
The results in the group stage showed that the gap between the two teams was not too large. Vietnam once won the first two sets with scores of 25-23 and 25-15 by serving to put pressure, effectively blocking and the excitement of the attacking spearheads. But from set 3, the team no longer maintained the pace, allowing Thailand to win 25-18, 25-21 and 15-12 respectively.
Therefore, maintaining stability will be the most important problem for coach Federico Rampazzo's team in the final.
Thailand may not start well but possess experience, bravery and formidable adjustment ability. When the opponent shows signs of physical decline or loss of concentration, the Golden Temple team often quickly increases pressure.
The support from the victory over Indonesia
The Vietnamese men's volleyball team entered the final with great confidence after a 3-1 victory over host Indonesia in the semi-finals. Compared to the 0-3 defeat in stage 1, Ngoc Thuan and his teammates showed a more balanced and proactive playing style.
The positive point is that the team no longer completely depends on Ngoc Thuan. Duong Van Tien and Dinh Van Phuong played effectively on the wing, while Tran Duy Tuyen and Truong The Khai created pressure with quick attacks and blocking in the middle of the net.
When there are many scoring options, setter Dinh Van Duy is also more favorable in distributing the ball and stretching the opponent's block.
The defense of the Vietnamese team has been clearly improved. The rear line saves many balls, persistently pursues long balls and creates counter-attack opportunities. This is a factor that needs to be maintained when Thailand possesses strikers with diverse handling capabilities and frequently change attack directions.
In addition, coach Federico Rampazzo did not shuffle the squad too much in the semi-finals. Athletes played in familiar roles, helping the system maintain a balance between attack and defense. This personnel usage needs to be continued in the final, especially when Vietnam faces difficult times.
Step one and fitness can decide the match
To defeat Thailand, Vietnam must first maintain the quality of step one. When the ball reaches Van Duy's right position, the team can deploy quick attacks or rotate the ball to the two wings.
Conversely, unstable first pass will make Vietnam have to use many high passes, creating conditions for Thailand's block to organize defense.
Serving is also an important weapon. Vietnam needs to direct the ball to positions where the opponent's first pass is not good, thereby limiting the ability to organize fast attacks. On the net, Duy Tuyen and The Khai need to read the passing direction, close the attacking angle and support the defensive line.
Fitness is an issue Vietnam must consider after just experiencing a 4-set semi-final. The team needs to distribute strength reasonably, avoiding repeating the situation of playing explosively in the first 2 sets and then declining like the group stage match.
Thailand is still rated slightly higher thanks to experience and ability to adjust in the match. However, Vietnam has shown that they are capable of creating a fair game.
If they maintain a stable first leg, promote team play and maintain focus to the final points, coach Federico Rampazzo's team can completely aim for the SEA V.Cup 2026 stage 2 championship.
The SEA V.Cup 2026 final match between the Vietnamese men's volleyball team and Thailand takes place at 7:00 PM today (July 26).
