Playing at home in Ninh Binh, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's squad entered the match with determination but lost the first two sets. Thailand, who have dominated the SEA V-League since the beginning, seemed on track for another sweep.

Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (number 10) and Tran Thi Thanh Thuy (number 3) celebrate Vietnam's victory at the SEA V-League on Aug. 10, 2025.

With their backs against the wall, the Vietnam players drew energy from the home crowd and fought back to claim the next three sets.

The win not only gave Vietnam their first stage win in the tournament but also ended a 40-match losing streak against Thailand in regional competitions, a historic feat for the team.

On world volleyball ranking FIVB, Thailand are 21st and Vietnam 22nd, but Thailand's dominance has been clear, winning 12 straight SEA Games golds, including 11 finals against Vietnam.

In set one, Thailand capitalized on Ajcharaporn Kongyot's powerful attacks to win 25-17. Set two saw Vietnam lead 17-12 and save two set points, but a simple miscommunication between Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Uyen cost them the set, losing 24-26.

Needing a win to stay alive, Vietnam came out strong in set three, fueled by Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen's explosive plays to take it 25-17. The momentum carried into set four, where Vietnam edged Thailand 25-22.

The deciding fifth set was a thriller. Thailand led 3-1 early, but Vietnam's blockers Bich Thuy, Khanh Dang, and Thanh Thuy repeatedly stopped Ajcharaporn and Pimpichaya, turning the score around to 9-5. At 13-11, Vietnam suddenly slowed down, allowing Thailand to tie 14-14. In the decisive moment, Bich Tuyen scored to bring Vietnam a 16-14 win. The 25-year-old star was Vietnam's top scorer in this set.

The final scoreline read 17-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-22 and 16-14, sending thousands of home fans into celebration with thunderous applause for the team. The win avenged Vietnam's loss in the first stage and was even sweeter as Thailand brought their strongest lineup to Ninh Binh, looking to assert dominance.

The SEA V-League, held in two stages annually, is in its fifth edition. This second stage in Ninh Binh marks the ninth overall in the tournament's history, with Thailand having won all previous eight, including six finals against Vietnam.

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