VNL 2021: Iran Powers Past Netherlands
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran volleyball team defeated Netherlands in straight sets (25-18, 25-23, 30-28) in 2021 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Sunday.
Amir Hossein Esfandiar earned 14 points for Iran, while Abdel-Aziz Nimir scored 11 points for Netherlands.
Team Melli had started the Week 1 with a 3-0 defeat to Japan and a 3-1 loss against Russia.
Iran will meet Canada, Italy and Bulgaria in Week 2, scheduled for June 3 to 5.
The competition format is a single round robin pool with each of the 16 teams facing every other ahead of semifinals between the top four of the standings.
The semifinal winners will clash for the title, with the losers playing out for the bronze medal.
The tournament is being held in Rimini, Italy within a secure 'bubble' with all hygiene protocols in place to ensure the health and well-being of all athletes, officials and staff throughout the competition.
