ALAS Pilipinas head coach Angiolino Frigoni took pride in the how the members of the Philippine national men’s volleyball team handled themselves against Iran in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Thursday evening.
The Italian mentor felt that the Filipino spikers fought well and lived up to his expectations, even if Iran survived around five match points before winning their encounter at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I am very proud. I am very proud because we improved a lot,” said Frigoni after the Iranians went on to post a 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20 victory.
In their do-or-die showdown, the Philippines side managed to take control of the first and third sets, before keeping matters close in the fifth, and in front of 14,240 fans who came to watch.
When it was over, the Iranians placed second behind Tunisia in the final Pool A standings, and both teams reached the round of 16 with their 2-1 win-loss records.
“We showed that we can play good volleyball. Thank you to all the fans that came here because they supported us very much,” added Frigoni.
The Iranians were led by 21-year-old outside hitter Poriya Khanzadeh, who hit 19 points in offense fired three aces, while opposite Ali Hajipour had 19 attacking points, to go with three kill blocks.
Alas Pilipinas captain Bryan Bagunas finished with 22 points, and had three blocks and an ace.
Later, world no. 1 Italy and no. 2 Poland made qualification, with Czech Republic and Serbia, completing the Round of 16 cast.
Italy claimed the last spot with a 25-21, 25-22, 25-18 beating of Uktraine in the Pool F action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, while Poland got in following their 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22 triumph in Pool B.
The Czech spikers, making their first appearance at the world stage in 15 years, formally entered the Round of 16 after disposing of China, 26-24, 25-19, 25-18.
Serbia qualified at the expense of ousting and upsetting Brazil, 25-22, 25-20, 25-22, in the last day of matches in Pool H.
