Amir Ghafour spearheaded Iran with 24 points in their 3-1 win over Tunisia in the first round of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup at the Hamamatsu Arena on Wednesday
Ghafour’s 24 points was built from 19 kills, three blocks and two service aces, while Marouen Garci led Tunisia with 21 points. Iran led Tunisia on all fronts with 49-42 attacks, 14-8 blocks, and 8-3 service aces.
Tunisia led at the beginning of the first set but Iran Ghafour’s powerful serves helped the Asian side to gain edge by dislodging the African squad’s defence. Iran commanded the final plays and clinched the set 25-17. Iran sustained their intensity to start the second set with a lead but the Tunisians fought well to keep a slim margin, then Garci took charge to lead the Tunisian offence to flourish late in the set and secure second set victory 25-21.
Iran started with setter Mehdi Mahdavi to orchestrate their plays and successfully dished out sets that allowed his hitters to find the open court of Tunisia. Iran led with a 10-point margin before they advanced and clutched the third set 25-14. Iran led by only two markers in the fourth set but a successful challenge and a block by Tunisia levelled the score at 9-all. The Iranians got off the deadlock from good transition plays and stretched their lead 14-10 and powered their way to achieve a 25-20 win in the fourth set.