Iran Beats Host Japan, Ranks 4th in FIVB Grand Champions Cup
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian national volleyball team on Sunday beat the host team, Japan, on the last day of 2013 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Grand Champions Cup to join the world's top 4th top teams.
Argentinean head coach Julio Velasco’s team edged past Japan 3-nil at Kyoto prefectural gymnasium, although two of the Iranian side’s key players, Mohammad Mousavi and Amir Qafour could not play due to their injuries.
The 2013 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Grand Champions Cup features a total of six teams, with the host Japan joined by the continental winners from Asia (Iran), Europe (Russia), NORCECA (US) and South America (Brazil) along with the Italy (wild card).
On Wednesday, Iran had edged past Italy 3-2 at Kyoto prefectural gymnasium, where the first round of the tourney was held.
Iran had lost its first match to Brazil 1-3 despite a great performance on Tuesday.
Iran ranked 4th in the intercontinental volleyball championship games, ahead of the US and Japan national teams.
The Iranian volleyballers had also lost three straight sets to Russia in their match last Friday.
The 2013 round of the games kicked off in Japan on November 19 and wrapped up on November 24.
