Iran Advances to Knockout Stage After Dramatic Victory Over Philippines

Tehran - BORNA - The match, played before a passionate home crowd in Manila, saw Iran overcome multiple setbacks and survive a dramatic fifth set to escape with victory as group runners-up.

Lineups

Iran: Morteza Sharifi, Mohammad Valizadeh, Arshia Behnajad, Ali Hajipour, Pouria Hossein-Khanzadeh, Yousef Kazemi, Arman Salehi
Head coach: Roberto Piazza

Philippines: Mark Jesus Espejo, Ave Joshua Retamar, Kim Malabunga, Ronzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiarles, Bryan Bagunas, Josh Ybanez
Head coach: Angelino Frigoni

First set: Philippines 25 – Iran 21
The hosts capitalized on Iran’s shaky defense and reception. Despite Iran briefly leveling the score at 9–9, Philippines pulled ahead and closed the set 25–21.

Second set: Iran 25 – Philippines 21
Iran responded strongly, controlling the set from the start. Piazza’s men even survived a bench-side controversy when Hossein-Khanzadeh protested his substitution. They held firm to level the match 25–21.

Third set: Philippines 25 – Iran 17
Errors plagued Iran as the hosts raced ahead 19–12. Despite Piazza’s timeout, Iran could not recover and fell 25–17, leaving the crowd sensing an upset.

Fourth set: Iran 25 – Philippines 23
Inspired by Hossein-Khanzadeh’s serving, Iran clawed back momentum. A late surge sealed the set 25–23, forcing a decisive fifth.

Fifth set: Iran 22 – Philippines 20
Iran surged to an 8–4 lead, only to squander it as the hosts fought back to 10–10. With the score tied at 14–14, Philippines celebrated what appeared to be victory—only for Piazza’s challenge to overturn the point. Iran regained composure, defended brilliantly, and sealed the set 22–20 in a dramatic finish.

With this hard-fought win, Iran advances as the second team from its group to the knockout stage. The result underlined the resilience of Piazza’s squad, who escaped defeat thanks to a decisive video challenge and strong blocking in the closing moments.

End Article