Iran's Alireza Nasr Esfahani spikes against Korean blockers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 25, 2015 – Pre-tournament medal contender Iran continued their FIVB Men's U23 World Championship campaign with a 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22) win against a determined Korean squad in Pool A at Al Nasr Hall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
Leading the Iran in scoring was opposite Javad Hosseinabadi with impressive 24 points, including two hard-fought blocks and two aces. He was supported by Pourya Damnabi with 14. For Korea, Jung Jiseok had 16 points in a losing effort.
The taller Iran players dominated the net through the better blocking as they had 15/4 lead beside other skills.
Iran improved their record to 2-0, while Korea dropped to 0-2.
Korea surprised the attending Iran supporters with the quick attack strategy using the sides of the net through the opposite Kim Sungmin and outside hitter Jung Jiseok who led their team to 16-14 and then 25-22 at the end of the set.
Iran rearranged their blockers Sajad Dehnavi and Mohammad Zarchoub to enter the game. They led 8-6 and 16-13 at the TTOs and then they continued to win the set 25-22 with spectacular attacks.
The superiority of Iran team in areas of serving and blocking helped them to have a wider lead in the third set to win 25-17. The fourth set was the best with the Koreans trying to come back and the Iranians insisting to win, but the outstanding performance of Iran setter Mostafa Bagheri with his skillful combinations helped the Gulf country to to the set 25-22 and the match 3-1.