Para Volleyball

Ali Pour anchors Iran’s sweep over Brazil Ali Pour anchors Iran’s sweep over Brazil

Ali Pour anchors Iran's sweep over Brazil Ali Pour anchors Iran's sweep over Brazil

Iran dominated Brazil 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-19) to advance further in the menโ€™s sitting volleyball competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in North Paris Arena on Saturday.

Iranโ€™s Meisam Ali Pour had an outstanding all-around performance, while Brazil struggled to match the intensity and precision of the defending Paralympic champions.

Ali Pou contributed 15 points, including nine attacks, three blocks and three aces. His teammate Hossein Golestani supported him with 12 points, consisting of seven attacks, two blocks and three service aces. On the Brazilian side, Luis Fabiano de Oliveira was the top scorer with seven points.

Iranโ€™s superiority was evident in every aspect, leading in attacks (38-19), blocks (9-7), and aces (9-4), while committing only 14 turnovers throughout the match.

The first set saw Iran quickly establish control, with Golestani and Sadegh Bigdeli spearheading the attack. Brazil struggled with errors, especially in reception and attack, allowing Iran to take an early lead. Ali Pourโ€™s powerful serves and consistent spikes kept the pressure on, while Iranโ€™s solid defence limited Brazilโ€™s scoring chances. The set concluded at 25-12 after a commanding performance by Iran.

In the second set, Brazil attempted to find their footing, but Iranโ€™s relentless offence, led by Ali Pour, continued to overpower them. Despite efforts by Renato Leite and Fabiano to mount a comeback, Iranโ€™s cohesive team play and reduced errors ensured they maintained control. Iran comfortably took the set 25-13, with a decisive block from Mohammad Nemati capping off their efforts.

The third set was Brazilโ€™s most competitive, managing to stay closer to Iranโ€™s scoreline and showing brief flashes of resilience. However, Iranโ€™s depth and versatility proved too much. Brazil tied the set at 18-18, but crucial errors and Iranโ€™s relentless pressure, led by Nematiโ€™s serving and Bigdeliโ€™s blocking, saw Iran pull away to win the set 25-19, completing their sweep of the match.

Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at World ParaVolleyโ€ฆ