Compared to previous encounters, the balance of power between the two teams has changed significantly. The reason comes from the rejuvenation decision of the Thai women's volleyball team when not registering a series of key players such as setter Pornpun, main attacker Chatchu-on, middle blocker Thatdao or opposite hitter Pimpichaya. These are all people who have played an important role in Thailand's success for many years.
Pornpun's absence caused Thailand to lose its "brain" in organizing the game. The ability to coordinate the ball, change the attacking pace and connect attacking spearheads is no longer as sharp as usual. Meanwhile, the lack of Chatchu-on and Pimpichaya also significantly reduces the strength on the two wings. Their block also no longer has a real leader when Thatdao is not present.
However, a well-trained training foundation helps this team always possess a quality junior class. Young faces who are given opportunities all have good techniques, defense and quick coordination are still traditional strengths. This is why Thailand still maintains a winning streak after the first two matches.
In the opposite direction, the Vietnamese women's team almost kept its strongest squad. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy continues to be the leader in attack, while Bich Thuy is showing impressive form in both attack and blocking. Khanh Dang maintains stability in the libero role, while Kim Thoa is increasingly showing confidence in coordination.
The most positive point of the Vietnamese team after the first two matches is the balance in the playing style. If previously the team often relied too much on Thanh Thuy or Bich Tuyen, then in this year's SEA V.Cup, the attacking spearheads are divided more evenly. The blocking line is also operating effectively with the support of Bich Thuy, Luu Thi Hue and Le Thanh Thuy, creating a more solid defense system.
Considering each position, Vietnam is slightly better in main attack and supporting attack thanks to the high performance of Thanh Thuy and Bich Thuy, while Thailand lacks the most experienced faces.
In the setter position, Pornpun's absence significantly narrowed the gap between the two teams. Libero is a relatively balanced position as both teams possess players with good defensive ability.
Besides professional factors, home field advantage is also a plus point for coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's team. Playing under the cheers of a large audience will create more motivation in key moments, especially when the two teams are predicted to create a tug-of-war.
However, Vietnam still needs to be particularly cautious. Thailand is always famous for its ability to organize a scientific playing style, rarely make individual mistakes and possess a balanced technical foundation. Even when using many young faces, they still maintain a fast attacking speed and very difficult defensive ability.
This is one of the times when the Vietnamese women's team has many opportunities to defeat Thailand at SEA V.Cup. If they promote the effectiveness of the block, maintain the quality of serving and take good advantage of the home field advantage, Thanh Thuy and her teammates have every basis to aim for victory, thereby winning the first leg championship of SEA V.Cup 2026.
