In the quarterfinals of the FIVB Challenger Cup 2024, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team faced the Philippines. Despite being considered the weakest team in the tournament, the Philippines had the advantage of playing on their home court.

Historically, the Vietnamese team had consistently defeated the Philippines in recent SEA Games encounters, which gave Bich Tuyen and her teammates the confidence to overcome their opponents in this crucial match.

Head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet decided not to start with star player Tran Thi Thanh Thuy. Instead, the lineup included Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Nguyen Thi Trinh, Dinh Thi Tra Giang, Le Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, and libero Nguyen Khanh Dang.

The Vietnamese team quickly established a solid lead over the Philippines. Despite the home team's efforts to regain control, Vietnam secured the first set with a score of 25/14.

In the second set, Vietnam continued to dominate, thanks to powerful spikes from Kieu Trinh, Tu Linh, and especially Bich Tuyen. Although the Philippines put up a strong fight, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet brought in key player Tran Thi Thanh Thuy to secure a 25/22 victory for Vietnam.

In the third set, the Philippines played with nothing to lose, creating significant challenges for Vietnam. However, the combined efforts of Thanh Thuy, Bich Tuyen, and Kieu Trinh led Vietnam to a 25/21 win, achieving a 3-0 overall victory and advancing to the semifinals for the first time in the world tournament.

The Vietnamese team, led by coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet, will face the Czech Republic (ranked 17th globally) in the semifinals at 17:30 on July 6.

The 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup features eight teams: Puerto Rico, Kenya, Belgium, Sweden, Argentina, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, and Vietnam. The tournament is held in Manila, Philippines, from July 4 to 7.

The competition follows a knockout format starting from the quarterfinals. The champion will earn a spot in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the highest annual competition organized by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

Dai Nam