WHETHER Alas Pilipinas marches to the final phase or goes down fighting hard, it’s clear as day—history has been written and these all-heart and gritty Filipino spikers have nothing to lose.
The words of Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara perfectly said it best.
“As I said—step by step,” Suzara said. “We will continue this program with our men’s volleyball team and build on the momentum.
“I really hope we play even better. Let’s give Iran a match to remember,” he added.
The Nationals try to summon their big fighting hearts anew when they take on Iran tonight in a knockout match in Pool A action in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
First serve is set at 5:30 p.m., with Alas going into the duel on cloud nine after carving out a stunning 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory over Egypt last Tuesday for the country’s first-ever triumph in the prestigious world tilt.
Pulling through again will allow the wards of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni to gain a slot in the Round of 16—one that many said was improbable—until the Philippines silenced its critics with the dramatic win against the world No. 22 Pharaohs.
Ditto with Tunisia and Egypt, who share 1-1 marks with Alas and Iran, when they also tangle at 1:30 p.m. for a berth in the next phase of the 32-team field.
“It was a dream come true,” Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on the heels of Alas’ celebration. “These men have etched their names in volleyball history and their victory would surely be an inspiration and motivation for the next generation to emulate as role model.”
So overwhelming and inspiring was his team’s feat that even the strict and stern Frigoni, a multi-titled tactician all over the globe, was overcome with emotion.
“I laid on the ground because I was very happy. This was not just for you and for the Filipinos, but this team was with me for 16 months, and I saw how they improved to play. I was waiting for them to win one match to show everybody how we improved in these 16 months,” Frigoni said. “That happened tonight. I’m very happy about it.
“I am 71 and I went to how many World Championships, but every team has a story. Every team has a background, and for me, I had to lay down on the floor because I was so happy.”
