Iran’s national volleyball team shut out the host Nation Philippines 3-2 in a thrilling five-set battle and sealed their positions at the knockout stage of the 2025 Men’s World Championships.
The match played in front of a crowd close to a capacity of 20,000 people, and ultimately won 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20 before Roberto Piazza’s team overcomes a volatile start.
Iran struggled with the opening set, overwhelmed by the energy of the home crowd, losing the set at 25-21. However, the team regained their composure in the second, dictating the play and filmed it with the same scoreline, 25–21. Esfandiar’s fierce serve (while clocking above 115 km/h) was key to Iran’s turnaround.
Coach Piazza surprised fans with his bold tactical changes and introduced Libero for external batsman Esfandial.
Despite this adjustment, individual errors plagued Iran in the third set, but the Philippines delivered the best volleyball in the tournament, convincing 25-17 at 2-17.
The fourth set is Nail Bitter, where both teams trade points and show inconsistencies. However, Iran drove out hosts 25-23 and forced a decisive five sets.
In the fifth set, Iran showed calm and resilience under pressure, eventually sealing the match by winning 22-20.
MNA/