Iran ends Alas Pilipinas’ cinderella run at world championship

Iran stole the limelight after handing Alas Pilipinas a heartbreaking 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20 defeat, denying their giant-slaying campaign for a historic Round of 16 breakthrough in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the MOA Arena, September 18.

The jam-packed crowd erupted as world no. 77 Alas appeared to clinch a momentous victory, but Iran’s successful net touch challenge tied the fifth set at 19-all, shifting the momentum and allowing the world No. 16 squad to complete the comeback and secure a lone Asian ticket in the Round of 16 spot.

Bryan Bagunas tallied 22 points built on 18 attacks, three blocks, and an ace as he sparked life after veteran Kim Malabunga’s costly net fault to cap off a 20 tiebreak, but the Iranians broke the heart of 14,240 fans in MOA Arena with back-to-back kills.

“We’re still very happy. I think we’ve shown all Filipino fans that the men’s volleyball here in the Philippines has a great future,” said Alas’ team captain Bagunas.

The dramatic loss eliminated the Filipinos, who still highlighted their World Championship debut with a stunning upset of Egypt just two days earlier, a victory that hinted at a breakthrough in Philippine volleyball history.

“We’re very thankful for their support. I think this is the start of something big for men’s volleyball in the Philippines.” he added.

Alas Pilipinas capitalized on Iran’s 11 errors to build a comfortable 23-18 lead in the opening set, before Leo Ordiales fired the set-point attack and Marck Espejo sealed it with a kill to draw first blood, 21-25.

However, the Iranians took over the driver seat as Alas’ intensity slipped in the second set, with 10 errors paving the way for Hossein Poriya and Ali Hajipour to combine for eight points and secure the 25-23 equalizer.

The Philippines got its rhythm back as Bagunas unleashed five kills and Malabunga chipped in four points, putting the nationals a set away from securing the sweet victory, 17-25.

However, Poriya finished with a game-high 10 points to wipe out the Filipinos’ effort and push Iran into a deciding set, the set that left the crowd haunted after believing Alas had already triumphed.

Poriya and Hajipour sizzled 22 points apiece that limited Iran’s 35 gifted points compared to the Philippines’ 33.

Meanwhile, Iran remained as the only Asian Team to advance in the knockout stage where they will face Serbia on September 23, 8 PM (Philippine time).