ID :
340233
Sat, 09/06/2014 - 08:06
Auther :

Iran hits a hard rock called France: volleyball

TEHRAN, Sept.6 (MNA) – After first two wins against Italy and the US, now Iran sees ‎France as its bête noire again with the first loss in Group D.‎ The loss came quite unexpectedly for Kovaç and his men after historic wins against ‎world giants Italy and the US. ‎ In the first set France performed brilliantly, keeping the point difference through the ‎game, going to the technical timeout with 3 pints ahead of Iran. Even Shahram ‎Mahmoudi came to game as substitution for Ghafour, France continued unaffected ‎and win the set 25-18. ‎ The second set saw Iran's return to ideal conditions with winning the first timeout 8-4. ‎After good defence, Iran raised the difference to 4 points. France's lacklustre ‎performance was another factor contributing to Iran's win with a massive point ‎difference of 11. ‎ France came triumphant also in the third set as Kovaç's frequent change of ‎combination of his men proved unavailing to bring tangible progress to Iran's camp, ‎‎25-18.‎ The fourth set was a close rally of points for both teams. French camp challenged the ‎referee's verdict in many occasions. Iran also throw the gauntlet the verdict when a ‎highly rapid service was received by France back in the field which was a surprise for ‎Iran, since they turned it to a golden point. The challenge was rejected, giving point to ‎France.‎ After the second timeout, Iran got a chance for break the tie when it was ahead of ‎France 19-17, but two attacks by France equaled the points. Iran then kept the rally of ‎points, where France finally broke the tie in point 29, securing the match and 3 points ‎in Group D. ‎ Iran will play Belgium on Saturday after a day off on Friday. ‎

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