Needing a win to stay alive, Iran overcame a slow start to hand Tunisia its first loss in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship while securing their first victory of the tournament.
Iran refused to let another slow start define its fate.
After dropping the opening set, the Iranians roared back with a 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16 victory against Tunisia to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Tuesday, September 16.
Still reeling from a four-set loss to Egypt in their previous outing, Iran showed more fight this time, feeding off energy and urgency to finally notch its first win of the tournament.
Now at 1-1, the Iranians will have everything to play for when they face host Philippines in a must-win Pool A clash Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
Tunisia, meanwhile, dropped their first game of the tournament and slipped to the same record as Iran.
The world No. 40 squad suddenly finds itself in the same position as Iran—fighting for survival. Their decisive test comes Thursday at 1:30 p.m. against Egypt, setting up another high-stakes duel.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.