On Friday, the Iranian squad picked up a home victory and won the pool B match at the 12,000-seater hall of the Azadi Sports Complex in western Tehran in consecutive sets (25-21, 25-21 and 25-21).
Iranians opened the game in a very convincing fashion, remaining consistent and taking an early lead. Despite some solid defense from Russia, Iranians managed to grab the first set 25-21.
The second set saw Iran jump to a 6-2 lead and Russians sought to narrow the deficit, but the hosts kept momentum to win the second set 25-21.
The third set started with Russia's lead but it turned to be a close contest as the Iranian side hit back and closed the set at 25-21.
Russia coach Aleksandr Klimkin had earlier said that playing with Iran is difficult since it is a top team.
"Iran have emerged as one of the top teams in recent years. We know that it will (be a) difficult match for us considering the current condition of the team," Klimkin said in the pre-match news conference.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="555"]
Iranian volleyballers during a training session[/caption]"We defeated Russia twice in its home court. Of course, we have achieved what we were intended to do, and that was to preserve our top-level status in the world," Iran's Captain Mir Saeed Marouf said.
Iran will meet Russia once again at Tehran's Azadi Stadium on Saturday.
By Press TV
