Lube conceded a comeback and lost a won match against Iranian Foolad Sirjan Iranian with 2:3 (21:25, 25:14, 26:24, 23:25, 14:16) in their first match of Group A of the Club World Championship, held in Uberlandia, Brazil. Civitanova could have decided everything in the fourth set, when they led by three points at the end (20:17), but gave the initiative to the Asian champions, who not only equalized but also closed the set with 23:25, forcing the game into a tie-break. In it, the Persians were the first to reach the eighth point, and also got the first match ball. Botolo equalized from service. On the last attack, Alex Nikolov was blocked and the loss was a fact. After it, fans showered coach Medei's boys with criticism, accusing them of letting a "drawn" match slip away, especially after 25:14 in the second set and the hard-won third set.

Lube performed better on serve overall (9 aces against 4) and in attack with 60 points against 52, but lost the match mainly due to their errors: 37 against 29 for the Persians.
Alex Nikolov finished with 18 points, and Chinenyeze became the top scorer in the match with 21 points, but even these were not enough for victory.
Cucine Lube Civitanova: Lecap, Chinenyeze 21, Lagumdzija 17, Nikolov 18, Podrascanin 6, Boninfante 2, Balaso (L); Gargulo, Orduna, D'Hirlir 2, Botolo 9. Did not play: Tentorio, Bissotto (L).
Head Coach: Medei

Foolad Sirjan: Esi 7, Mohammad 12, Hajipour 18, Abdolhamidi 15, Seyed 11, A. Ramezani 4; Marandi (L); Karami, Haghdoust, Shahsavari, Khajeh. Did not play: Geliniazi.
Head Coach: Behrouz Ataei Nouri.
Tomorrow Lube plays against Brazilian Praia Clube in an attempt to reach the semifinals.
photos:FIVB