Title-holder Iran continued its winning streak to secure the first semifinal berth after downing Vietnam in a comfortable three-setter (25-19, 25-14, and 25-19) on day 4 of the 2018 Asian Men’s Volleyball Cup at the University of Taipei Gymnasium, Taiwan, on Saturday.
Iran troubled Vietnam with its advantage in high blocking and thundering attack. With a 6-point margin at 16-10, Iranians bagged the first set 25-19. In the second set, destructive Pourya Yali scored the first point with an above-the-block attack and helped the team to stay in front with a five-point clear at 8-3 before they widened to snatch the comfortable second set 25-14, Asianvolleyball.net reported.
Although Vietnam tried hard in the beginning of the third set to bring the game back, the Iranians blocking height made short work of the Vietnamese. Vietnam once led 11-9, but the good show was short-lived. Leveling 15-15, Iran only allowed Vietnam four more points before taking the set 25-19 and win the match.
“The only reason that I am on the court is to get as much points as I can,” said Yali, who led Iran with 16 points including 14 attacks from 28 attempts, while captain Amirhossein Esfandiar chipped in with 16 points.
With the comfortable win, Iran became the first team to reach the semifinals. They will take a two-day rest before playing the semis on Tuesday.
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