LEANING on big belief and mentality that it can hack it.
Raring to prove its worth on the big stage, Iran reached the knockout quarterfinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship after scoring a gripping 23-25, 25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 15-9 decision over Serbia last Tuesday night in their Round of 16 clash.
Now the lone Asian team in the prestigious competition, Iran continues to show beyond doubt that it belongs on the world stage.
“Worried (about five sets)? No. I (remember) one player said to me in a game against Philippines, ‘coach don’t be worried,’ I said ‘never in my life, really.’ We prepare the team,” Iran coach Roberto Piazza said.
“To arrive at this level—to be able to play three games in a row. . . This is the mindset that we use in the tournament so I’m not worried,” he added.
The Italian strategist shared that their preliminary match against host Alas Pilipinas last week, where they nearly lost, had prepared them in pivotal duels, reiterating that his wards should keep bringing their A-game.
“It was a crucial game, but the crucial one was against the Philippines. That’s why, I think… We trained before, because we won an amazing game, and that particular one, because at one moment we lost everything, and for one check—now we’re here, and we can talk about the future, that one was a crucial point,” Piazza said.
“There were no crucial points in this tournament. You need to be able to play at the best level.”
The world No. 16 Iranians brace for an intense Last Eight clash against Czechia today and Piazza, 57, said they need to show up with their best effort to hurdle the Czechs.
“Czechia is a strong team. They are experienced. They are big, like really tall,” he said. “They are good blockers. So, we need to be smart about attacks. This one, for me, is the key to that game. Now I need to prepare for that game.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Erwin Tulfo wants the Senate to probe what he said were the exorbitant ticket prices for the meet and the inclusion of 1xBet in the list of sponsors.
Tulfo said ticket prices for the games – ranging from P1,500 to P14,000 – is too much for ordinary volleyball enthusiasts, creating a notion that “sports is only for the rich.” – With Raymond Africa
