MANILA – Just one point away from making history, Alas Pilipinas saw its FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship dream crushed in heartbreaking fashion, bowing to Asian powerhouse Iran, 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 20-22, in a five-set classic at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday night.
The Filipinos, backed by a deafening home crowd, battled toe-to-toe with the world-ranked Iranians and even built a 20-18 cushion in the deciding frame. But a costly net violation and a late error swung momentum away, allowing Iran to storm back and steal the win.
“I am pity with the way we lose because we were in a dream, and we woke up just one point before the dream was finished. But that’s the life of the sport,” head coach Angiolino Frigoni said, visibly crestfallen.
Veterans Bryan Bagunas and Leo Ordiales carried the fight with 22 and 21 points, while Marck Espejo and Rex Intal Malabunga chipped in 15 and 10 markers.
But Iran’s Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh Firouzjah and Ali Hajipour MoghadDam FaroUji proved unstoppable, combining for 44 points to push their side into the Round of 16 with a 2-1 Pool A record.
“Akin ‘yun eh, ako ‘yung huling ano (nag error) eh, panalo na dapat eh kaso na out of balance ako, sorry, sa akin ‘yun,” Malabunga admitted after the match.
Though their campaign ends, Alas Pilipinas leaves the tournament with heads held high, proving they can match up with volleyball’s elite and inspiring hope for a brighter future in Philippine men’s volleyball./PN
