2014 FIVB World Championship - Poland - 8/30

Congrats Iran. What a stable and mature performance this was

In comparison, Italy looked like they assembled one day before tournament without any training

Iran, what a game they have already reached top level

Yes! They did it! God, I’m so happy for them!v Beautiful, fearless performance from Iranian guys!

They started off really strong, then had their weaker moments, but it really couldn’t have finished any other way! They were visibly better in basically every part of the game. Magician Marouf did his job brilliantly, as always Ghaemi breaking his back again I love these guys. You can definitely tell how much they love the game, they’re having so much fun on the court, giving their absolute best.

I was a little iffy about their attitude before the tournament, but they’re not disappointing me and showing so much fighting spirit and engagement

Kudos to coach Kovac as well, good substitutions! He got everything under control, unlike his fellow Italian counterpart

Basically everything worked out for Iran today. I couldn’t be more delighted. Please, keep it up guys, my heart and mind are always with you!

Conquer this entire tournament!v

Quote from raylight

I wouldn't call that a surprise, actually. Iran is a top level team.

Does anyone call it a surprise? I wouldn't either. Iran has been gradually climbing up that voleyball ladder long before this season, it's not like they've emerged out of the blue. Hard work and passion always pay off

Under Berruto's coaching, Italy has been a late starter in all important tournaments. Difference is, in previous tournaments they were always getting the luckiest draw so it gave them time to recover . This time they have to face Iran, France and Belgium back to back. Lets see how they will respond.

what a match, I didn't expect that at all

they were whining the whole last month about their poor shape specially after Maadani's death. maximum pessimism, but all of a sudden they played such a great game today

great game for everybody, also hats off to Kovac. I hope they can continue like this, for me still passing the 1st round is our target here.

Congratulations to Iran! I also dont think it is a surprise. Iran is already in the elite teams. Travica is trending in Italy. People is insulting him and considering he was the guilty one of this defeat. He wasnt the only guilty, but since many matches ago, it is obvious he is the weakest link in italian nt. What else does Berruto needs to see in order to change him? He is a good blocker and server, but his decisiones are just so wrong.

Berruto should have replaced him by Baranowicz. I dont think Baranowicz could have played worse than Travica. Btw, he plays with Parodi, Kovar and Zaytsev.

Quote from DarkHorse

You forgot USA.

Yeah, this group is really great and thrilling (at least for a neutral). I don't know much about Puerto Rico but if Belgium performs well there will be big battle for 4th place.

I've been saying that Italy is one man team. And it is. Take Zaytsev and they are hopeless. They don't have good OH for years, also setter. Travica is one of the most overrated players today. Just look at his sets today - Zaytsev, Zaytsev and again Zaytsev. Even dumbest team would figure out their tactics. Berutto was disappointing today, no reaction at all. I would place Vettori as OPP, Zaytsev on OH with Rossini covering him on reception. That would have affect for sure, maybe just short term but surely would. MB's are horrible. Buti was always late, Birarelli also and Marouf just his good reception and brain. Set really low but fast balls and Italian block was useless. And Lanza

I cheered for Iran of course Kovač prepared team in incredibile way, just look how long MB's were waiting for Italian attacks. maybe it looked they are late but they were on 505 of Italian attacks. Impressive. And serving tactics key was to avoid Rossini, they loaded OH's with serves so they couldnt prepare for attack properly. All in all masterpiece for Iran, keep it up.

P.S. Now Italian position doesnt look good. They already lost one match, yet they have to play USA, France and Belgium.

Quote from Leonardo.D

Congratulations to Iran! I also dont think it is a surprise. Iran is already in the elite teams. Travica is trending in Italy. People is insulting him and considering he was the guilty one of this defeat. He wasnt the only guilty, but since many matches ago, it is obvious he is the weakest link in italian nt. What else does Berruto needs to see in order to change him? He is a good blocker and server, but his decisiones are just so wrong.

Berruto should have replaced him by Baranowicz. I dont think Baranowicz could have played worse than Travica. Btw, he plays with Parodi, Kovar and Zaytsev.

I think Travica's problems are psychological. In Belogorie Belgorod, he is a difference maker.
Italy still can depend on four factors;
First is of course luck. Remember in Olympics, despite finishing the group in 4th place, they miraculously avoided two finalist Brazil and Russia and faced very beatable USA. This era must be remembered as 'Generation Lucky'.
Second is Bulgaria factor Bulgaria has a habit of cleaning the way for Italy and losing to them. ( Remember last European championship, they beat Poland and lost to Italy ) I don't know if this draw will let them to repeat it.
Third is their service. It is vital for Italy to hide their incompetence in reception and sometimes setting.
Fourth is their biggest chance: Zaytsev.

Quote from scarpetta

Bravo Iran ! First suprise of the tournament

What surprise? U forgot Iran reached two WL Finals in row. We r talking about team that already beat Italians in the past in important matches.

Stats come late, but at least they are available this time, to some extent. How they look like and how they are organized I am not going to discuss, it's obvious how messy everything is. However, one other very irritating thing - where are the game pictures? There are only those from the opening ceremony and some various ones. Is there no separate section or am I going crazy?

Italy has indeed been very lucky but they always took their chances instead of spoiling them. Actually, I think they have not been too lucky because I believe there has been a major gap between the top 2 teams (Brazil/Russia) and the rest in the last couple of years. Italy, with some degree of luck but with merits as well, has been the best of the rest, a group of good teams all of which had major flaws in their game.

That said, I love Iran's game and I hope Italy will improve during this Championship.

I will join my fellow mates in the complaints about the Website. How can it be possible to make 100 steps backward instead of moving forward (or even stand still?). No livescoring, no proper stats (you only get the attack percentage, but no mention to the mistakes, blocks, serve faults), a complete mess. I am speechless.