WL: Tensions, red cards, breathtaking volleyball – Poland beats Iran!

Poland – Iran

The early start of the match was marked by nervousness on both sides with several service errors and complaints on the referee’s decisions, mostly from the Iranian bench. The player who surprisingly took his place in the Polish line-up, Bieniek, was a highlight at the beginning of the clash with two blocks and one ace, but it was tied (6-6). When Kurek joined him, Poland had 10-8 as the first big lead of the game. Very soon, Iran equalized and after Ghaemi’s stunning one-on-one block on Kurek, it was 13-16! Mahmoudi guarded Iranian lead and although Polish players approached to 18-19, the visitors marched towards victory in the firs set (20-24). Nowakowski’s block gave hope to the Poles (22-24), but Mousavi’s spike ended the first period – 22-25.

The fans wanted a better Poland so, Nowakowski listened to them – the kill and the block (4-1). Thanks to a great defense, Iran leveled at 4-4. Ghaemi’s and Mahmoudi’s errors gave Poland a 10-7 lead and everything started to go into the favor of the hosts. After 3 points in a row, it was 13-8. Iran threatened with two consecutive points (18-15) so, coach Antiga had to call for a time-out. When Ebadipour, the best Iranian player before that, spiked into antenna giving the hosts their first set ball (24-20), it seemed that Poland won’t have any problems to convert it, but… Mousavi scored, Kurek spiked into the net and it was 24-22. Double block on Kubiak decreased Polish advantage to only one point – 24-23! The questionable referee’s decision gave the 2nd set to the Poles. Firstly, the point was awarded to Iran. Than, Antiga asked for a challenge, pointing out that the opponent touched the net. The coach of Iran, Kovač, protested, but it was over – 25-22.

In the third set, it was visible that Iranians were under the influence of what has happened at the and of a previous, but still, it was the point by point play. Kurek’s spike sent Poland to the first technical time-out with a solid 8-6 lead. Ebadipour was the only steady player in Iran, but the things didn’t look good for his team after Polish block stopped Ghaemi (13-9). At the result of 18-14 for the hosts, they scored 4 in a row, but one point was more beautiful than the others – Kubiak’s powerful ace (22-14)! Kurek did the same for 25-16 and 2-1.

With two points in a row by Bieniek, Poland took 6-3 lead in the 4th set. Iran made a turnaround with 3 consecutive points, crowned by Mousavi’s great block (9-10). There was a tension on the court at 10-12. Mahmoudi blocked Kubiak and improperly celebrated it with his teammates. It made their rivals angry, so the situation ended with 2 red cards – for Mousavi and Kubiak – 11-13. Iran didn’t give up (14-16) and double block on Kurek gave it 15-18. When Mousavi scored for 17-21, the tie-break was on a horizon. Still, Buszek thrilled the home crowd with a block on Mahmoudi for 20-21! But, Mahmoudi managed to convert the second set ball – 22-25.

In the tie-break, Poland simply destroyed the opponent! Ghaemi stepped on a 3rd metter line during a spike while Kubiak scored an ace – 4-1. Polish triple block along with Kurek’s attack gave the hosts a 6-2 lead. Kurek and Mika were precise – 8-2! Probably the best point of the match occured at 9-3. It was a long rally crowned by Drzyzga’s single block! It looked like only one team was on the court – Poland. Finally, this breathtaking clash ended with 3-2 in sets for the home team – 15-6!

See STATS.

FIVB INTERCONTINENTAL ROUND / POOL B /

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