Iran beats Japan in FIVB World Cup

TEHRAN, Nov. 21 (MNA) -- Iran started the FIVB Men’s World Cup with a victory over Japan on Sunday. The Iranian team defeated the Asia powerhouse 3-1 (17-25, 25-20, 25-25, 25-15) in Nagoya’s Nippongaishi Hall. “In the beginning it was very difficult. We made many mistakes in serving and receiving in the first set. We were aggressive but we didn't pay attention to our tactics. We were better in reception in the second set. Then I insisted that the players had to follow their original tactics,” Iran coach Julio Velasco said during a post match news conference. In late September, the Iranians beat the Japanese 3-0 in the Asian Championship in Tehran. Iran’s last participation in the FIVB World Cup was in 1991 where they finished 11th overall. With a legendary coach calling the shots and a set of promising players, Iran projects a bright future as an emerging Asian team joining Asian powerhouses Japan, China and Korea. The event’s top three teams will earn berths in the 2012 Olympics.