Title-holder Iran lost to China 3-2 (25-21 18-25 25-23 17-25 10-15) on Saturday after suffering a straight sets loss to South Korea on Wednesday.
“The match was very close. I am satisfied with my players’ form. We played well in the first set, but after that we made many mistakes,” Vakili said.
“I think China has greater experience than us. Our Pool F is playing with high-level volleyball and that’s why the games in Pool F are very close and more difficult than the Pool E encounters. I’m upbeat that Iran still has a chance of defending its title,” he added.