Iran's comeback win vs. Tunisia keeps door open for Alas Pilipinas

Alas Pilipinas' bid at the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship got a much-needed boost following Iran's four-set comeback against Tunisia on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The world no. 14 Iran bucked a Set 1 fumble en route to a 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16 win that made it a wide open race in Pool A as both Iran and Tunisia now feature identical 1-1 cards. 

The 21-year-old Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh Firouzjah led the way for Iran as he poured 21 points on 18 attacks and three aces while team captain Morteza Sharifi posted 18 markers anchored on 10 attacks, five aces, and three blocks. 

The win allowed Iran to keep its playoff hopes alive despite absorbing a shock 17-25, 25-16, 23-25, 20-25 loss to Egypt last Sunday.

This also puts Alas Pilipinas (0-1) in better position should it win its match against a much taller and higher-ranked Egypt (1-0) later at 5:30 p.m. with the hosts hoping to finally break through. 

Alas is tipped to bank once more on star spiker Bryan Bagunas, who exploded for 23 points in their 13-25, 17-25, 23-25 loss against Tunisia during their opening day clash last Friday.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News