Iran U21 beats Brazil in last outing before FIVB World Championship
Iranian boys defeated Brazil in straight sets (25-23, 26-24, 25-15) on Tuesday in a final warmup friendly before the FIVB Volleyball U21 World Championship, which will get underway today in Jiangmen, China.
Mohammad Mo’menimoqaddam’s team had come out victorious in four sets against France in the Chinese city on Sunday.
“Results don’t really matter in friendly games, but I’m still grateful that the two victories will boost our confidence for the World Championship,” said the Iranian head coach, who will be looking to build on a 20-game unbeaten run in competitive matches, during which Iran claimed back-to-back Asian under-20 titles either side of the world U21 crown in 2023 – thanks to a 3-2 victory over Italy in the final showdown in Manama.
Two-time champion over the past three editions, Iran will begin its title defense against Kazakhstan in Pool B today.
A second outing for Iran will come against Puerto Rico on Friday, followed by games against South Korea – in a repeat of last year’s Asian under-20 final, which Iran won in straight sets – Canada, and Poland.
The top four in each of the four six-team groups will progress to the round of 16.