Men's OQT, a preview of the teams to watch #3 Iran

Iran (FIVB Ranking 8th)

Since 2011, Iran has won every Asian Games that they have participated in with their first team, making them the number one team in Asia in both name and reality.
They didn't perform very well in last year's World Cup, coming in 8th, lower than Japan (although they did win their head-to-head match against Japan).
However, starting with the final qualifying round, they have appointed new manager Lozano, a legendary coach, and in the friendly matches just before the tournament they have fought on equal terms against France and Poland, showing how they are improving in the lead-up to the OQT.

Led by talented setter Maloof, they launched a variety of attacks that made it difficult for the opponent to focus on the block.
The Iranian players are very expressive and, like France, are a fun team to root for.
I hope they can avenge their loss to Australia four years ago and make their first appearance in the Olympics.
Of course, the Japanese team was there too.

Projected starting lineup

Featured Players

#6 Seyyed Mohammad Mousavi-Elagi (سید محمد موسوی عراقی‎‎)

Born August 22, 1987 (28 years old)
Height: 203cm
Highest point: 362cm
Position: Middle blocker
Club: Sarmayeh Bank Tehran (Iran)

A middle blocker who can become the star of a game, like Russia's Muserskiy or Brazil's Lucas.
He has an extremely high success rate with quick kicks, and fires high, powerful "first-tempo" spikes from a position slightly away from the net.
Defensively, he produces a lot of blocks with his sharp insight and quick movements.
Although he is a bit quick to fight, there is no doubt that he will perform well in this tournament.

#5 Farhad Ghaemi(فرهاد قائمی)

Born August 28, 1989 (26 years old)
Height: 197cm
Highest point: 355cm
Position: Wing spiker
Club: Paykan Tehran (Iran)

A left-handed wing spiker, rare in Japan.
His most distinctive feature is his serve, or rather, his unique stance when serving.
I love this stance lol.
At one time he was producing a lot of aces with this serve, but recently it has been a bit stagnant.
It will be exciting to see the return of the big serve from the "stance".

Not only are the Iranian players very passionate, but the supporters are also very passionate.
"Yi Lan! Yi Lan!"

Photo: FIVB