Lausanne, Switzerland, June 23, 2019 - France put a stop to Iran's seven-match winning streak Sunday with a solid and convincing 3-0 (25-18, 26-24, 25-21) sweep that extends the suspense in the race for tickets to the Final Six of the 2019 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League.
With France coach Laurent Tillie bringing on the top guns at his disposal and his Iran counterpart Igor Kolakovic holding back some of his own, only the second set was any sort of challenge for last year's silver medallists. Iran cancelled two set points of France at 24-22 in the first set, but on the next try a kill from Stephen Boyer followed by an ace from Trevor Clevenot on Mohammadjavad Manavi brought it home.
Clevenot with a match-high 15 points and Boyer with 11 led France's scoring. Manavi on 10 was the best scorer of Iran, but almost half the home side's points (29 of 63) came from unforced errors of France.
The result means that Brazil could well finish Weekend 4 at the top of the table, if they can beat defending champions Russia in the closing match.
Down the table, earlier on Sunday, Australia scored a massive win over Portugal 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 27-25) as both teams continue their quest to avoid relegation.
Led by Lincoln Alexander Williams' impressive tally of 21 points (including 61% in attacking plus 3 aces and a block), Australia have now caught up with Portugal on wins (2), but overtaken them on points (10 to 7).
Only the Challenger teams of Australia, Bulgaria, Canada and Portugal are eligible for relegation.
Quick links - Volleyball:
FIVB.com - Volleyball Nations League
FIVB.com - Volleyball
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram