Another comeback loss, Vietnam men's volleyball ends SEA Games 33 empty-handed

(Volleyball results) - The Vietnam men's volleyball squad squandered a big advantage and let the Philippines overturn the match to secure the bronze medal at SEA Games 2025.

Set 1: Vietnam 25-23 Philippines

Similar to the semifinal against Indonesia, the Vietnam men's volleyball team started impressively and quickly created a gap over the Philippines. There was some concern when Ngọc Thuân and teammates were tied at 18-18 and the opponent saved multiple set points, but a young star Leo Ordiales’ error gave Vietnam a hard-fought win in the first set.

Set 2: Vietnam 25-23 Philippines

The second set unfolded much like the first — Vietnam started stronger, then the Philippines caught up, and the set was closely contested until the opponent’s own mistakes handed Vietnam the victory.

The Philippines only had themselves to blame for losing the 23-21 lead. In the decisive play, captain Bryan Bagunas repeated the mistake of teammate Ordiales from set 1 by hitting the ball out, sealing a 25-23 win for coach Trần Đình Tiền’s team.

Set 3: Vietnam 18-25 Philippines

Vietnam failed to maintain their high intensity in the third set, allowing the Philippines to take control early on. Bryan Bagunas and his teammates defended well and attacked effectively to extend their lead beyond five points, then raced to the finish to keep their hopes alive for the SEA Games 33 bronze medal.

Hopefully this was just a strategy to conserve energy for key players by coach Trần Đình Tiền. Recall in yesterday’s semifinal against Indonesia, Vietnam tried to finish the match in the third set but failed, then visibly lost strength from the fourth set onward, leading to a heartbreaking comeback loss.

Set 4: Vietnam 22-25 Philippines

It turned out... not a tactic. The Philippines’ morale soared after winning the third set, and our players couldn’t contain them. Vietnam’s block was powerless against the early offensive firepower of Bagunas and Ordiales, letting the opponent seize an early advantage.

We tried to fight back late in the set but it was too late. The SEA Games 33 men's volleyball bronze medal match required a fifth set to decide the winner.

Set 5: Vietnam 14-16 Philippines

Nerves caused Vietnam to have a poor start in the decisive fifth set, but with great effort, Thế Khải and teammates caught up, pushing the set into overtime. The Philippines had a match point opportunity, where Ngọc Thuân made a poor first touch, allowing the opponent to score the winning point.

Final result, Philippines defeated Vietnam 3-2 (23-25; 23-25; 25-18; 25-22; 16-14) to claim the bronze medal at SEA Games 33.

Vietnam volleyball vs Philippines match time?

• Time: 3:00 PM today, December 19
• Tournament: men's volleyball SEA Games 33 - bronze medal match

Vietnam volleyball roster for SEA Games 33

Philippines volleyball roster for SEA Games 33