Giant-killer Iran downs Argentina at volleyball worlds

TEHRAN, Nov. 26(MNA)--Iran earned its fourth stunning victory in the 2011 FIVB Men's World Cup by beating Latin American powerhouse Argentina on the second day of second-round action. Iran downed Argentina 3-2 (15-25, 25-21, 24-26, 25-16, and 15-12) at Osaka Central Gym in Japan on Friday. Giant-killer Iran has already defeated Japan, Serbia and Poland in this event. The Persians have lost to Cuba as well. Iran’s Pourya Fayazi registered a match-high 18 points and Federico Pereyra paced Argentina with 17 points. Hamzeh Zarini from Iran was named the most impressive player of the match. “We are very happy with this victory. Argentina is a strong team but a young one. We served very well today. Our system of blocking and defense worked well. (Mehdi) Mahdavi is a setter who blocks very well,” Iran coach Julio Velasco said in the post-match news conference. Iran is scheduled to play the United States on Sunday in the competition’s third round. "They (the U.S.) have a lot of experienced players. We have good tactics for blocks. We blocked better from the second set. (Since Velasco took over) our attitude has been changed. Everybody is working together for one goal. We have gained good experience from recent tournaments we played in,” Iran captain Alireza Nadi said.