Iran downs Australia 3-1 for Pool B top spot in 2018 Asian Men's Volleyball Cup

The Iran men’s national under-21 volleyball team has maintained its fine composure and performance at the 2018 Asian Men's Volleyball Cup, also known as the 2018 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Men in Chinese Taipei, and defeated Australia to capture the top spot of its pool at the preliminary round.

On Thursday, defending champion downed Australia 3-1 (25-20, 25-22, 18-25 and 25-16) on the second day of the continental tournament at the University of Taipei (Tianmu) Gymnasium. 

Iran’s head coach Behrouz Ataei fielded Amirhossein Esfandiar, Javad Karimi, Aliasghar Mojarrad, Maysam Salehi, Rahman Taghizadeh, Esmaeil Talebi and Pouriya Yali in the initial line-up.

The Iranian sportsmen started the match in a more determined manner and were better in service, reception and attacks. They maintained the lead to surge ahead, and grabbed a 25-20 win in the opening set.

The Iranians were able to keep up with the pace in the second set. They continued to launch attacks with much success to take the period at 25-22.

The Australians came from behind in the third set, and racked up points to claim it by 25 points to 18.

In the fourth set, Iran improved its play and used combination plays, making the Australian side unable to post good defense. The Iranians finished the final set 25-16 at last.

Australia’s Curtis Stockton scored match-high 21 points, including 18 kills and 2 blocks as well as one service ace. Pourya Yali chipped in with 17 points for Iran, including 16 kills from 32 attempts.

“My team performed well today. Certainly, we were capable to win the game by encouraging our players, and we just did so on the court, just like how we won at the third set,” Australia’s head coach Liam Sketcher said after the match.

He added, “Although we are younger team in this Cup, I do not consider that age would be the main problem during the competition. They can play senior volleyball, and they did so. Yet, Chinese Taipei is a great team. It will be a tough game tomorrow night.”

The Iran men’s national under-21 volleyball team beat the hosts by 25–23, 14–25, 25–21 and 25–23 score lines on Wednesday.

The 2018 Asian Men's Volleyball Cup started on August 8, and will wrap up on August 15, 2018.

Iran is pitted against Australia and Chinese Taipei in Pool B of the continental tournament.

Japan, Kazakhstan and South Korea are drawn in Pool A.

Pool C consists of Qatar, Thailand and Vietnam.

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