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The final six of the 2014 FIVB Men's Volleyball World League is in full swing as Russia and Italy win their first matches in their respective pools.

2013 FIVB World League champions Russia had a tough time against Iran as the Iranians proved that they can compete with the best of them, stretching their match to a five-set thriller at the Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy.

Iran got off to a great start as they took the first set easily with a 25-18 score, helped by Russian unforced errors.

Defending champions Russia finally settled down on the 2^nd and 3^rd sets as their power hitter Dmitriy Muserskiy took charge giving them a 2-0 lead.

The fourth set was a test of nerves as both teams did not give off any points and both of their outside hitters pummeling the ball straight down the line. Iran's Amir Ghafour was hitting sensationally as he racked up 14 tremendous points while Russia relied on hitters' Muserskiy, Nikolay Pavlov and Alexey Spiridonov hitting from all angles of the net taking the set up to 35 all. But Iran will not go down easily as they finally took the set 37-35 taking the match into overtime.

The Russians were stunned at the start of the fifth and deciding set as they lagged behind Iran 1-5 before Russian coach, Andrey Voronkov calls time-out.

After the time-out, Russia proves that experience is on their side as they quickly scored four points tying the set at 5 apiece. They then never looked back as they win the set and the match at 15-8.

Muserskiy of Russia was the top scorer on their side with 20 points, 14 coming from attacks, five from blocks and one service ace while Amir Ghafour of Iran led his team with an incredible 30 points, 29 of those points coming from his fierce attacks while one point from a block of the net.

Iran takes a day off Thursday as they watch the game between Russia and another formidable foe Brazil who they will play against Friday.

Host team Italy proved their dominance in their pool as they finished off the Americans in three straight sets 25-22, 25-21, 26-24.

Matthew Anderson was top scorer for the Americans with 17 points while Ivan Zaytsev hammered 21 points for Italy.

Italy will take the day off Thursday as the Americans face off against Division 2 surprise winners Australia.

Tagsworld league, volleyball, Amir Ghafour, Dmitriy Muserskiy, Matthew Anderson, Ivan Zaytsev, fivb