John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Alas Pilipinas Men in action against Iran at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, September 18, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

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Alas Pilipinas Men

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758267043923alas iran.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alas Pilipinas Men in action against Iran at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men&#x27;s World Championship, September 18, 2025. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Alas Pilipinas Men have earned the respect of Iran men&#x27;s national volleyball team coach Roberto Piazza.</p><p>Piazza&#x27;s wards almost suffered an upset at the hands of valiant Alas Men, who fought with their hearts out in front of a loud Mall of Asia Arena and nearly clinched a Round of 16 spot at their expense at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men&#x27;s World Championship.</p><p>As it turned out, the World No. 16 Iranians walked off with a 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20, highlighted by a game-changing, momentum-killing net fault challenge that became successful late in the game on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/19/na-miss-universe-marck-espejo-still-proud-of-alas-men-despite-falling-short-vs-iran-1346"><strong>READ: Na-Miss Universe? Marck Espejo still proud of Alas Men despite falling short vs. Iran<br/></strong></a></div><p>Alas Men&#x27;s efforts didn&#x27;t go unnoticed, as Piazza tipped his hat to the host nation&#x27;s heroes who almost ousted his team in the biggest stage of men&#x27;s volleyball.</p><p>&quot;Philippines played an amazing game. They deserve to be in the first 16 teams like us because two points cannot change the game,&quot; said Piazza.</p><p>Piazza said the Philippines played &quot;perfectly&quot; against them, but lamented about how his players were &quot;afraid&quot; while in action.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/18/fivb-worlds-heartbreaker-as-gallant-alas-pilipinas-fall-to-higher-ranked-iran-1954"><strong>READ: FIVB Worlds: Heartbreaker as gallant Alas Pilipinas Men fall to higher-ranked Iran<br/></strong></a></div><p>&quot;Now, we have to think about the future. But today, we were afraid to play sometimes. The Philippines was perfect on the court,&quot; he said.</p><p>The Italian mentor also gave his praises to compatriot Angiolino Frigoni, who is handling the Filipino spikers.</p><p>&quot;I need to congratulate my colleague from Italia, Angiolino [Frigoni]. He did an amazing job. This guy has proven a lot. I’m happy because I am in front, at the same time, I’m not happy because Angiolino lost.&quot;</p><p>Team Iran faces Serbia in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, September 23.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO: </strong></div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABhfTvsp2_yAE_57"></script>

<p>"Philippines played an amazing game. They deserve to be in the first 16 teams like us because two points cannot change the game," said Iran coach Roberto Piazza. #AlasPilipinas #MWCH2025 </p>

"Philippines played an amazing game. They deserve to be in the first 16 teams like us because two points cannot change the game," said Iran coach Roberto Piazza. #AlasPilipinas #MWCH2025

FIVB Worlds: Iran coach Piazza says Philippines deserves to be in Final 16

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FIVB Worlds: Iran coach Piazza says Philippines deserves to be in Final 16

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 19, 2025 04:31 PM PHT

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2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship

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Alas Pilipinas Men

Roberto Piazza

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