TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iran volleyball team lost to Russia 3-2 (18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 35-37, 15-8) in an exciting opening match of the 2014 FIVB World League Final Six.The Iranian team beat defending champion Russia 25-18 in the first set. The team then was defeated in the second and third sets 25-18 and 25-21 respectievly.
In set fourth the Iranians proved that they could compete with the World League holder and defeated the team 37-35.
Russia seemed stunned and Iran led 5-1 in the deciding fifth set but eventually Slobodan Kovacs men won the set 15-8.
It was an amazing match, we could have won it but in the second and third sets Russias experience proved decisive. Now we will wait to see the results of Brazil against Russia tomorrow before thinking of our chances for qualification, Iran captain Mir Saeid Marouf told FIVB.com.
Ghafour was top scorer with 30 points for Iran while Muserskiy got 20 points for Russia.
The six teams are divided into two pools and will play in a Round Robin format, with Pool H comprising host Italy, the US and Australia and Pool I including defending champion Russia, Iran and nine-time winner Brazil.
Russia will face Brazil in its next match on Thursday, while Iran meet the Brazilians on Friday.
By Tasnim News Agency
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