Iran – China
Both finalists qualified for next year’s FIVB Youth Boys’ World Championship in Mexico with Japan and Korea. It is the first time Asia has had four berths at the FIVB Youth Boys’ World Championship. The last edition took place in Argentina in 2011 with Serbia, Spain and Cuba placing the top three.
In the final match which lasted more than two hours, Iran relied strongly on their most valuable player Valaei Akbar to steer past the equally tenacious Chinese lineup. Valaei Akbar played a consistent game, collecting 20 points, the best scorer in the final match, from his ferocious spiking.
The Chinese squad relied on their strong front line to impose a tough challenge on Iran. Tang Chuanhang led his other four teammates got double figures. China led in the blocking category 23-12, bested their opponents 5-2 in aces and had a 58-53 advantage in attacking. But the Chinese boys made terribly a total 46 errors compared with only 19by Iran.
Iraj Mozaffari, Iran coach, said “Iran had already five champion title, one vice Champion title of Asia in his record and we are going to keep this valuable heritage. We have worked very hard and they had come here for achieving the world championship ticket and champion title of Asian youth boys. I am proud of my players, today we had a very hard match. China team is a graceful team.”
China’s head coach Ju Gengyin admitted ”The match was great , Iran team is also great, we had difficulty in spike and receiving. We had a lot of mistakes. Iran players from mental point were more relaxed than our players. Spectators with horn and whistle were making a lot of noise and our young players are not accustomed to it. we are defeated but happy for the berth at the World Championships that was our main goal. Now we have to work to do our best at that competition.”
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