Iran Maintain Winning Run to Secure Semi-final Berth at 6th AVC Cup for Men

Title-holders Iran continued their winning streak to secure the first semi-final berth after downing Vietnam in comfortable three-setter (25-19, 25-14, 25-19) on day 4 of the 6th AVC Cup for Men at the University of Taipei (Tianmu) Gymnasium on Saturday.

Iran troubled Vietnam with their advantage in high blocking and thundering attacking. Holding a 6-point margin at 16-10, Iranian bagged the first set 25-19. In the second set, destructive Porya Yali scored the first point with an above-the-block attack and led the Iranians to stay in front with a five-point clear at 8-3 before they widened to snatch the comfortable second set 25-14.

Although Vietnam tried hard at the beginning of the third set to bring the game back, Iranians’ blocking height made short work of the Vietnamese. Vietnam had once led 11-9, but their good show did not last long. Leveling 15-15, Iran only allowed Vietnam 4 more points before taking the set 25-19 and match.

“Because I play the position opposite, the only reason that I am on the court is to get as more points as I can,” said Porya Yali, who led Iran with 16 points including 14 attacks from 28 attempts, while Captain Amirhossein Esfandiar chipped in with 16 points as well.

With this comfortable win, Iran became the first team to secure the semi-final berth. They will take a two-day rest before contesting the semi-finals on Tuesday.

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