Slovenia aims for its eighth win against Iran in Belgrade
Slovenia's men's national volleyball team will take on Iran tonight in Belgrade in its second match of the third and final tournament of the Volleyball Nations League preliminary round.
The match is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. local time, with Slovenia aiming for its eighth victory to strengthen its position at the top of the standings, CE Report quotes STA.
Coached by Italian strategist Fabio Soli, Slovenia has recorded seven wins and just two losses in nine matches, placing the team at the top of the Volleyball Nations League standings and in an excellent position to qualify for its fifth Finals tournament in the competition. Slovenia opened the Belgrade tournament on Wednesday with a 3-1 victory over Germany.
Iran began its campaign in Serbia with a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine before edging Germany in five sets on Thursday. It was Iran's third win of the season, while seven defeats leave the team in the lower half of the league table.
The two sides have only met officially in the Volleyball Nations League, in addition to several friendly matches. Slovenia has won the last two Nations League encounters, prevailing 3-2 last year and 3-0 three years ago. Following Brazil's victory over France, Slovenia is now ranked seventh in the FIVB world rankings, while Iran sits 17th.
A victory over Iran would further strengthen Slovenia's position ahead of the Finals tournament in China. Slovenia will conclude the preliminary round in Belgrade with matches against Türkiye on Saturday and Serbia on Sunday.
Photo: Pexels (Free Stock Photos)
