After the devastating blow of being handed four forfeits in the group stage - costing them a place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 U21 Women’s Volleyball World Championship - Vietnam’s U21 team responded with determination, defeating Egypt 3-1.

The penalty left Vietnam bottom of Group A, forcing them into the 17th–24th place bracket. At 1 p.m. on August 13, coach Nguyen Trong Linh’s squad faced world No. 11 Egypt.

The match marked the return of middle blocker Nguyen Phuong Quynh, who had missed the game against Puerto Rico. Despite being up against a higher-ranked opponent, the Vietnamese players showed confidence and composure.

Still without a full-strength lineup after one player was removed from the tournament, Ha Kieu Vy and her teammates fought with remarkable resilience. Seventeen-year-old outside hitter Quynh Huong delivered powerful spikes, while Lan Vy resumed her familiar outside hitter role after covering as libero earlier in the tournament.

Vietnam started strong, winning the first two sets 25-16 and 26-24. Egypt fought back to take the third set, narrowing the score to 1-2. But the young Vietnamese squad stayed composed, blocking well at the net and showing unwavering determination.

If not for the unexpected off-court setback, this debut World Championship campaign could have seen them reach the knockout stage. Even so, the victory over Egypt marked their fifth win of the tournament - most coming against stronger teams.

Vietnam sealed the match 3-1 and advanced to the 17th–20th place bracket, where they will face either Chile or Mexico on August 15.