Iran continues to impress
Playing in its first Olympics, the Iran men’s volleyball team has turned in an impressive showing through the first four days of preliminary action in Rio.
Iran was swept by Argentina in its first match, but they’ve since settled in, taking the No. 2 team in the world (Poland) to the brink on Day 2 and then coming out with back-to-back sweeps, including Saturday’s sweep of Egypt (28-26, 25-22, 25-16).
Shahram Mahmoudi had a strong game with 21 points and two blocks for Iran, which converted an efficient 47 for 88 serves in the match.
Egypt, meanwhile, has been a part of four sweeps in four matches in Rio, though it came on the wrong end of three of those.
As such, Egypt’s hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals have been put to rest with only three points in four matches.
Iran, meanwhile, will play on, earning a spot in the quarterfinals and looking to keep its Cinderella run going.
Argentina sets down Cuba
Argentina had no trouble with Cuba Saturday, sweeping in straight sets (25-16, 25-14, 25-26).
Cuba tallied just five blocks in the match and handed Argentina 23 points on unforced errors.
Even before play began Saturday, the only drama left for Argentina was where it would slot in the quarterfinals. Argentina currently sits with nine points and in a battle with Poland for the top seed in Pool B.
Cuba is now officially eliminated from quarterfinals play, losing 12 of 13 sets in Rio to date.