2017 WORLD GRAND CHAMPIONS CUP
- Women – September 5-9
- Men – September 12-17
- Nagoya and Osaka, Japan
- Women – Schedule/Results
- Men – Schedule
- Power Rankings
Iran will face a tough challenge to remain the only unbeaten team at the 2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup as they take on Brazil for the day three matchup.
The Iranian squad has taken down both Italy and Team USA in tough five setters to open up the tournament, even making a 0-2 comeback against the American crew. Brazil, on the other hand, swept France on day one but fell to the hands of Italy on day two in five. This matchup will be the third time that the two teams square off at the tournament, with Brazil capturing the first two showings in four. The last time that Iran defeated Brazil on the international stage was at the 2014 World League.
Iran has two top scorers in the competition so far, with Ghara H. Milad Ebadipour having put down 38 points while Amir Ghafour has added another 36. Also in the top ten of scoring is Seyed Mohammad Mousavi Eraghi with 25 points. The poise of these three players will help to guide the Iranian squad over Brazil.
For Brazil, Ricardo Lucarelli Souza has been the dominant force in the tournament thus far, having put down 32 points while Wallace de Souza has added another 28. So far, Brazil has shown their overall dominance and lack of finish at the competition – being the reigning champions, they have that chip on their shoulders. The Brazilians will need their top players to step up against Iran to win on day three.
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