Korean newspaper calls the loss to Vietnam a 'nightmare'

Edaily newspaper called the 2-3 loss to Vietnam a "nightmare" for Korean women's volleyball, continuing a disappointing record of losing 24 matches at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2022 and 2023 - the famous tournament. top price in the world.

"Korean women's volleyball faces a crisis in the Asian arena," Edaily commented. "This loss shakes our chances of getting out of the group stage."

The Korean press was shocked by the defeat. Because they lost to a weaker opponent, the disappointment was even greater. Spotv page describes "Korea bows after a crushing defeat to a weaker opponent" and "Dark clouds cover the way to the quarterfinals". Xsports newspaper commented that Korea seemed to be "too complacent against Vietnam".

South Korea took a 2-0 lead by winning 25-22, 25-19, but lost 23-25 ​​in the third set. "The team lost focus a lot in set four with a series of mistakes," MHN Sports reported. "All types of attacks were caught and blocked, while Vietnam attacked fiercely and completely overwhelmed them."

In the decisive fifth set, Korea sometimes led by two points but lost it. When the score was 12-14, Park Jeong-ah scored to hold on to hope but then Tran Thi Thanh Thuy hit the ball to close the 15-13 victory for Vietnam.

Kang So-hwi scored 20 points for Korea, but Thanh Thuy was the brightest star in the match. The Vietnamese attacker with 25 points, including 20 attack points and 5 blocking points, received many compliments from the Korean press.

After Kim Yeon-koung - the best female volleyball player in the country's history, Korea performed poorly in international tournaments. They are the only team that has not won 24 consecutive matches in the VNL and dropped out of the top 30 on the FIVB world table.

"The recession has happened," said Ohmy News. "Korea is at risk of missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics after three consecutive appearances."

Korea's chance to enter the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship is still there if it defeats Taiwan and Uzbekistan. However, they face the possibility of losing the top of Group C to Vietnam and falling into a difficult bracket in the next round.