Tehran, Iran, June 19, 2015 - Shahram Mahmoudi scored 17 points to lead Iran to a 3-0 (25-19, 29-27, 25-20 victory over the previously unbeaten USA who were no match for the home side. The win opens the door for Poland to move level on points with the USA in Pool B, whilst Iran will go into the remaining fixtures with hope of taking second place.
Iran started the Pool B clash with the USA intent on slowing down the leaders who had won six out of six and they were the first to edge ahead in the set. The home side, roared on by their fans and led by the scoring of Shahram Mahmoudi opened up a five point gap as the set neared its climax and they duly wrapped up first set with a 25-19 scoreline to take a 1-0 lead.
The second set saw the USA take a 8-5 lead with Matthew Anderson leading the fightback but Iran buoyed by their first set win bounced back to level the tie at 8-8. USA again were to edge in front with the advantage ranging from 2-4 points at any one time with Iran trying to level the set. The home side began their fightback, chipping away fro 19-15 and a four point deficit to level at 23-23 and the set went into sudden-death before Iran completed the comeback 29-27 to take a 2-0 lead in the tie.
The USA were in danger of losing their 100% record in Pool B and needed to start the third set on top. Early exchanges in this crucial third set were back and forth with the scores level at 5-5 but Iran again took the set by the horns and leapt into a 17-11 lead thanks in part to continued USA errors. The deficit proved too much for the USA who lost their unbeaten record in Pool B after Iran sealed the tie 25-20 for a 3-0 victory
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