The match was centered in Tehran’s Azadi Sports Complex where host Iran secured a 3-2 (23-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23, 15-12) victory over the European opponent in what was their first ever encounter at FIVB World League.
Despite presence of 12,000 spectators who supported the home team, Iran failed to take the lead from Belgium who wrapped up the first set 25-23.
In order not to let the inspiring crowd down, the Persians began to dominate the game in the second set to the extent that, half-way through, they claimed a 12-7 lead. The gap further widened as Iran was a head-and-shoulder above in Belgian players in 16-10. The second set came to an end 25-17 in Iran’s favor.
The third set was more of a neck-on-neck challenge as the two teams exchanged points and ties at 11. From that point, Belgians began to lag behind and failed to come up with a working plan as Iran closed the set 25-22.
It was Belgium who gained the upper hand in the fourth set and extended the game to the fifth one by winning 25-23.
Again with the support of the huge number of fans who kept raising the name of Iran, host volleyball players wrapped up the final and decisive set 15-12 and the match 3-2.
Iran’s Saeid Marouf said post-match that “it was a tough game as it was the first game at home. We were supposed to play against a team who won their two last matches and were at a better place in standing. In a tie-breaker match, the role of fans is so significant. People helped us to save our energy but it was not a great day for us. We played with 12 out of our 15 players who all helped the team. I am happy with the opening victory.”
HA/3999884
Your Comment