Vietnam beat Belgium to win world volleyball championship's bronze medal

By Duc Dong July 7, 2024 | 11:00 pm PT

Vietnam earned a historic victory over Belgium, who stand 21 places above them in world's ranking, to claim the bronze medal at the 2024 FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup Sunday.

Thanh Thuy, Vietnamese volleyball star, and her teammates faced Belgium after beating hosts Philippines in the opening game of the four-day tournament, and then losing 0-3 to the Czech Republic in the semifinal.

Thanh Thúy ăn mừng sau khi cùng đồng đội đánh bại Bỉ để lần đầu giành huy chương cấp độ thế giới.

Thanh Thuy (number 3) celebrates after Vietnam defeat Belgium to win bronze medal at the 2024 FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup, July 7, 2024. Photo by VnExpress

Vietnam, standing 34th in world ranking, started the game confidently and somehow confused their European opponent, who rank 13th.

The Vietnamese side constantly maintained their lead, before getting briefly equalized 21-21 and coming back to secure the first set 25-23.

Belgium won the second set and Vietnam the third, only to enter the final fourth set with confidence and win it too.

A bronze medal is Vietnam's biggest success at an FIVB Challenger Cup.

The Czech Republic won the tournament by beating Puerto Rico.