Fan optimism grows as Vietnam prepares to face Germany at women’s volleyball world championship

Vietnam, ranked 22nd in the world, will face Germany, ranked 11th, at 5:00 pm local time Monday in Phuket, Thailand.

The debutants, who are making their first appearance at the championship in Group G, lost 1-3 to third-ranked Poland in their opener on Saturday but surprised by winning the first set.

Before that, only five percent of global pollers on volleyball data platform Volleybox had predicted Vietnam would win even a single set against Poland.

The unexpected showing has boosted confidence among fans.

As of 10:40 am Monday, of 105 poll participants, 91 (87 percent) predicted a 3-0 win for Germany, 11 (10 percent) forecast a 3-1 win, two (2 percent) a 3-2 win for Germany, and one (1 percent) supported a 3-2 win for Vietnam.

Germany defeated Kenya 3-0 in their first match.

Vietnam aims to win as many sets as possible to minimize ranking point losses.

A 0-3 loss would cost Vietnam 6.26 ranking points; a 1-3 loss would deduct 3.14 points, while a 2-3 loss reduces points by 0.01.

A win would add at least 12.49 points.

All tickets for the Vietnam-Germany match at Phuket Municipal Stadium, which seats 3,337, were sold out as of Sunday, reflecting strong local and international interest.

A large number of Vietnamese fans have reportedly flown to Phuket to support the team.

Tickets, each valid for two group-stage matches within the same group, fetches 300-4,000 baht (US$9.3-123).

Another match in Group G, Poland vs. Kenya, is scheduled for 8:30 pm Monday.

The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship features 32 teams in eight groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage.