While Indonesia has repeatedly posed challenges to Vietnam this year and difficulties were anticipated, no one expected coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's squad to lose in straight sets.

While the Indonesian players' caliber is unquestionable, the defeat stemmed largely from Vietnam's own errors. Right from the start, the team repeatedly struggled with poor first-touch receptions, preventing them from mounting effective attacks. Even during stable rallies, faults in setting meant the ball rarely reached hitters in the right position to finish off opponents.

In the opening set, Indonesia created a surprise by surging to a 21-11 lead. The Vietnamese players tried to rally but could not turn the tide, dropping the set 25-20.

In the second set, Vietnam started better, but recurring issues resurfaced at critical moments, allowing Indonesia to secure a 25-21 win. Riding high on momentum, the Indonesian team comfortably took the third set 25-18, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory, a thoroughly unexpected outcome given Vietnam's standing.

Previously, Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and her teammates enjoyed a seven-year winning streak against Indonesia, but they have now fallen to the opponent twice this year. Vietnam has one remaining classification match for 7th place at Asiad 20. Win or lose, finishing outside the top 6 is a deeply disappointing result for fans.

Vietnam secure spot in quarter-finals of ASIAD 20 women's volleyball

VOV.VN - Vietnam swept Hong Kong (China) 3-0 on September 17 to secure their second consecutive victory and a place in the quarterfinals of the women's volleyball tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Komaki, Japan.