Lausanne, Switzerland, May 11, 2017 – Iran enjoyed a brace of victories in pre-FIVB Volleyball World League matches against Montenegro in the Balkan country.
Both matches took place in Budva and Iran won the first encounter 3-2 (28-26, 21-25, 26-24, 16-25, 25-21) on May 9 and then followed up with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-16) victory a day later.
“Montenegro have shown that they are quite a good team,” Iran coach Igor Kolakovic said. “It should be noted that these are two teams between which there is a significant difference in quality, and we are already advanced in our preparations and more ready in every aspect.”
“We have been preparing for a week now and I’m pleased with how we played in the first match,” Montenegro coach Veljko Basic said. “We made huge strides in our defence and blocking and all the players showed that they are ready for the coming action.”
In the World League Group One Iran will take on Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games gold medallists Brazil, silver medallists Italy and reigning FIVB world champions Poland, on the opening weekend in Italy. They then host Belgium, Serbia and Argentina in Tehran and finish in Katowice, Poland against the host nation, USA and Russia.
Montenegro will compete in World League Group 3 and they start on home turf in Bijelo Polje against Tunisia, Chinese Taipei and Estonia. They then travel to Tunis to take on Tunisia, Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan.
Basic’s side will also be in competition in the Italy-Bulgaria 2018, FIVB Volleyball World Champions European Qualifiers that take places from May 23-28. They will compete in Pool 4 in Estonia against the hosts, Russia, Romania, Kosovo and Hungary.