Germany orchestrated a drubbing of Iran to wrap up its 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg campaign on a positive note.
Germany concluded its 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) campaign on a high note, belting Iran with a straight-set whipping, 25-20, 25-23, 25-20, in the Manila leg at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 23.
Coming off two deflating losses to Canada and USA, the Olympic-bound Germans regained their mojo and vented their ire on the Iranians to end their bid with a 5-7 record in 12th place.
Moritz Karlitzek and Moritz Reichert spearheaded the offensive thrust for Germany, taking turns dealing damage to Iran.
Karlitzek carried the cudgels with 21 points built on 17 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Reichert pummeled 13 markers, all of which came from spikes.
Germany pounced on the error-plagued Iran, which coughed out 17 of its 26 total miscues in the first and second frames, seizing a 2-0 set buffer.
Backed against the wall, Amin Esmaeilnezhad and Poriya Hossein kept the Iranians within striking distance in the third set.
However, Alireza Moslehabadi botched a service attempt, letting the floodgates open for the Germans to shatter a 18-all deadlock with a match-clinching 7-2 spurt.
Iran, which had a brief dream run in the Manila leg with stunning upsets over the USA and the Netherlands, bowed out of contention with a 2-9 slate.
Esmaeilnezhad topped the losing side with 19 points, while Poriya managed 10 markers.