THE Philippines’ hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship is already historic.
How to make it even more, one for the ages? A win by Alas Pilipinas tonight— fittingly in front of another expected big home crowd.
Out to take the lessons from their numbing loss the last time out to heart, with their backs against the wall, Filipino spikers take on Egypt in Pool A at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
First serve is set at 5:30 p.m., with the charges of coach Angiolino Frigoni looking to redeem themselves from a 13-25, 17-25, 23-25 loss in their debut at the world stage last Friday.
Alas cannot let its guard down against the Pharaohs, the reigning African volleyball champion, according to star spiker Marck Espejo.
“We really should be mentally ready (against Egypt),” Espejo said. “Because physically, skills-wise, everyone seems to be training equally. It’s really just the mindset on the court, the desire to win.”
The Pharaohs banked on the likes of Ahmed Shafik, Abdelrahman Elhossiny and Aly Seifeldin Hassan to subdue Iran 25-17, 16-25, 25-23, 25-20 last Sunday and grab the second spot in their group.
The Tunisians gained the early lead with the whitewash of the Philippines.
Iran and Egypt tangle in the other Pool A duel today.
Aside from Espejo, skipper Bryan Bagunas, middle blockers Peng Taguibolos and Kim Malabunga, and young guns Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado are hard-pressed to step up for the Nationals.
Crowd favorite Japan and Libya were the first squads in the 32-team field to kiss their title hopes goodbye after losing to Canada 23-25, 23-25, 22-25 and to Turkiye 18-25, 23-25, 14-25, respectively.
Germany also pulled off a 25-17, 25-23, 25-21 victory over Chile, while Cuba tripped Colombia 25-22, 25-21, 25-20.
Slovenia tackled Bulgaria at press time last night at the MOA Arena, while the Netherlands clashed with Romania at the Big Dome.
For Espejo, a former Ateneo standout and UAAP MVP, he might never get another chance to don the country’s tri-colors in a prestigious tourney, which explains his fire and desire to give his all, whatever it takes.
“For me, the mindset is this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “So, I’m really going to do my best as much as possible.”
