Iran can still dream about a possible medal at the Rio Olympics if they win the remaining matches against Egypt and Russia and go up in Pool B
Iran’s national men's volleyball team saw their first victory in the history of Olympics on Thursday, August 11, by beating Cuba in the third match of the preliminary round of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Imposing the third defeat on the Cuban volleyball squad, Iran kept hopes of a quarterfinal appearance alive after losing their first two matches to Argentina and Poland, Mehr News Agency reported.
After a bad beginning against Argentina in their first match (0-3), Iran confronted Poland and fought hard to lose in the last minute (2-3). However, winning two sets against the world powerhouse prepared the Iranians for their next match.
This is the first presence of Iran volleyball in the Olympic Games in 52 years. They reserved a berth in Rio earlier in June during the Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan. There competing with the best of the world, Iran finished second among eight teams overcoming their rivals including Poland and Argentina. However, the pressure of playing in the Olympics for the first time did not let them repeat their feat and it took three games to show their prowess.
With a strong performance, Iran swept Cuba in three sets (25-21, 31-29 and 25-16). The victory gives Iran the fourth spot in Pool B, one point ahead of Egypt.
Cuba was eliminated after losing nine of the 10 sets it has played in Rio, coming last in Pool B with zero points through three matches. Led by the famous Argentinean head coach Raul Lozano, the Asian giants are in great form and high spirit now and ready to face Egypt (fifth in Pool B having earned one victory in three matches) on Saturday.
Iran can still dream about a possible medal at the Rio Olympics if they win the remaining matches against Egypt and Russia (second in the Pool with two wins out of three matches).
Iran volleyball is currently ranked first in Asia and 10th in the world.
