Match Preview
Iran are currently 3-7, but they have remained competitive in the majority of their matches, especially against the tournament favourites. Can they cause an upset against Slovenia in Belgrade?
Iran Playing Without Pressure
Iran will miss out on the Nations League final tournament once again after collecting just three victories from their opening ten matches, with their last appearance at this stage coming in 2022.
Following a 3-2 defeat to Belgium in mid-June, Iran suffered three more losses in Week 2 against France (3-2), the United States (3-0) and Japan (3-2).
Their four-match losing streak finally came to an end in the last June fixture with a 3-1 victory over bottom-placed Cuba. However, the Iranians were unable to build on that result, returning to losing ways with a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine on Wednesday.
Iran were tagged as underdogs in yesterday’s clash against Germany but recovered from a 2-1 deficit in sets before winning the deciding tiebreak 15-12.
Slovenia Closing In on Qualification
Slovenia made the most of playing in front of their home fans during Week 2, producing a series of strong performances to climb to fourth place with a 6-2 record.
The Slovenians recorded three consecutive victories in late June, defeating Canada (3-1), Bulgaria (3-2) and one of the tournament favourites, Brazil (3-0).
They finished the week against reigning world champions Italy, taking the opening set 25-23 before fading away and eventually losing 3-1, scoring just 57 points across the final three sets.
The European side also made a strong start to Week 3, defeating Germany 3-1 on Wednesday in Belgrade and moving within touching distance of the final tournament.