FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship:
‘Wounded’ Iran desperate to bounce back against Tunisia
Iran will be eager to recover from a first-day defeat against Egypt at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship when taking on another African test in Tunisia in Pasay City, Philippines, today.
Widely regarded as the favorite win Pool A – also featuring the host country – ahead of the tournament, Roberto Piazza’s men were given a reality check in their opening game, suffering a 3-1 loss (17-25, 25-16, 23-25, 20-25) to the reigning African champion on Sunday.
“We didn’t expect the result to turn out this way. We need to realize where we are; this tournament is the second-most important volleyball event in the world after the Olympics,” Iran captain Morteza Sharifi, who had a quiet day at the SM Mall of Asia Arena with eight points, said after the game.
“We all need to wake up and understand what must be done from now on. I can only apologize to the dear people of Iran,” added the star outside hitter.
Italian coach Piazza, meanwhile, warned his men of the enormous task in the today’s must-win game.
“Iran’s team must recover its energy and the players have to find self-belief. At the moment, the team is like a wounded, bleeding animal that must be healed as soon as possible,” said the Italian ahead of a training session on Sunday.
“The team needs to regain its harmony and the players need to support one another, because the next game against Tunisia is a crucial one. We know perfectly well that we’re in for a tough, difficult match, and in my opinion, it will be even harder than the game against Egypt,” added the Italian.
“We know how we need to play tomorrow, and the players are fully aware of the mindset we must have for this game.
“Our only focus tomorrow must be on the next ball, not the final result or anything else. Japan was defeated by Canada today – a result nobody would have believed possible at the World Championship. That just shows how unpredictable this tournament can be.”
Iran will be hoping to be in the top two of the group after Thursday’s game against the Philippines to progress to the round of 16.
Tunisia got off to a flying start in the Philippines, beating the host in straight sets (25-13, 25-17, 25-23) in the tournament’s curtain riser on Saturday.