Iran coach Robert Piazza: Alas Pilipinas Men ‘deserve to be in the Final 16’

For one fleeting moment, the Philippines thought it had pulled off one of the biggest upsets in volleyball history. The Mall of Asia Arena roared as Kim Malabunga’s block seemingly sealed an epic victory over world No. 16 Iran. But in the chaos of celebration, Iran head coach Robert Piazza made a split-second decision that changed everything.

“I didn’t even react. I was thinking just about what I have to do [after the match],” Piazza revealed, recalling how he immediately called for a video challenge. It turned out to be the lifeline his team needed, as the replay revealed a minimal yet costly net touch on Malabunga.

The reversal crushed the host nation’s momentum, leaving Alas Pilipinas without timeouts to recover. Moments later, Iran escaped with a 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20 win to book its place in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship. 

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Iran coach Roberto Piazza praises Alas. #MWCH2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

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Yet even in triumph, Piazza made sure the spotlight wasn’t on Iran, but on the gallant Philippine side ranked 77th in the world.

“I’m not happy about how we played the game. Philippines played an amazing game,” Piazza admitted. “They deserve to be in the [final] 16 teams like us because two points cannot change the game.”

Coming from the coach of Asia’s No. 2 volleyball power, the words served as validation for a team that entered the tournament as hosts but left having earned the world’s respect.

Alas Pilipinas may have fallen short of advancing, but to push a perennial Asian contender to the brink — and to have their effort praised by their opponent’s mentor — marks a new chapter in Philippine men’s volleyball. 

For Piazza, the result may have gone Iran’s way, but the narrative of the night belonged to the Filipinos who proved they were worthy of belonging on volleyball’s biggest stage.

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