Iran picked up its first victory in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), stunning the fancied Team USA in the Manila Leg.
Iran finally ended a long run of futility in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Wednesday night.
Reeling from eight consecutive losses, the Iranians dug deep, pulling off a massive shocker over the world no. 5 USA, 26-28, 25-23, 25-18, 26-28, 15-13, in the Manila Leg of the VNL at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Poriya Firouzjah and Milad Ebadipour came through for the 17th ranked team in the globe, as the former put up 23 points while the latter delivered 20 markers in the thrilling escape.
The two nailed the clutch hits in the fifth set when Iran figured in a back-and-forth struggle with USA, spearheaded by Torey Defalco, who churned out a 33-point storm that went for naught.
Tied at 10, the Americans coughed out a costly error before Ebadipour blocked Jordan Ewert to instigate a 4-2 spurt for a 14-12 edge. Defalco tried to snatch momentum with a hit, but Firouzjah slammed the door shut and completed the stunner.
Amin Esmaeilnezhad and Alireza Moslehabadi also made their presence felt for Iran with 14 and nine points, respectively.
On the other hand, the USA, which ended Week 2 with a loss to Canada, suffered its second straight defeat and dropped to a 3-6 standing.
Matthew Anderson and Ewert were the only other Americans in double figures with 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Iran will aim to carry over momentum when it collides with Netherlands, while USA will try to stay in the Final Eight hunt when it takes on Brazil.
Both matches will be held on Thursday, June 20, at the same venue.