After an easy win against Cuba on Saturday, Iran's national volleyball squad would have been sanguine for a possible win against Russia; however, in Olympics, Russia has been invariably winner and this time, they proved quite formidable, forcing Iranians to ache when their attacks faced strong and almost dominant; Iran's performance was satisfactory with an arrangement Lozano made for the team: Saeid Marouf, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi, Adel Gholami, Farhad Ghaemi, Mojtaba Mirzajanpour, Amir Ghafour, and Mahdi Marandi (as libero).
Russia was quick to pile their assets soon in the game, being ahead 7-3 when Lozano requested a timeout; the efforts were blocking by Russian taller defense line and thwarted Iran's chances to close the gap; the match however far from an entirely Russian dominance and Iran managed to chase the points up to a time when scoreboard displayed 23-20. The chance was dim and Russia secured the set with two consecutive points.
The second set was a nadir for Iranians; frustrated by still determined, they were out of form with Russia buoyant with blunders by Iranians which brought them wider point gap; excellent services brought them 5 points; this time as well, Lozano's timeout was a temporary halt for their energetic performance. Iran folded under the pressure and faltered in receptions which gave Russia points by points; the win came easy for the second set.
In the third set, Iran was the first to score; 3-0. However, Russians equaled in point 7 and managed to widen the gap again this time 22-18. Lozano's substitutions proved unavailing and Russians were again brilliant reminiscent of their former Olympic performances. The fate was sealed and Iran conceded another 3-0 defeat.
Russia stood in 3rd place with Iran expecting to face Italy in Pool A which came first. The draw is difficult for Lozano's men and they should work in higher levels to at least equalize the situation on Wednesday. Italy has not been always unbeatable and Iran only needs coordination and stamina.
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