POWER Pinoys coach Francis Vicente has made an assurance the Philippines will reach the quarterfinals despite being drubbed by a team from Iraq on Thursday in the Asian Men's Club Volleyball Championship.
Philippines PLDT TVolution bowed to Iraq’s South Gas Club Sports, 25-22, 25-19, 25-18, at the Mall of Asia Arena, and now holds a 1-1 win-loss record.
But Vicente is certain the Power Pinoys will make the round of eight, as two teams from each group will advance. The Philippines is in a three-team Pool A with Iraq and Mongolia.
“Sigurado ako papasok tayo (sa quarterfinals),” said Vicente.
The Power Pinoys, who opened their campaign with a three-set demolition of Mongolia, now wait for the result of Saturday’s Iraq-Mongolia match that will determine which team will advance.
Vicente is confident Iraq will hand Mongolia its second loss in the eliminations, which will give the Philippines a ticket to the quarterfinals.
“Tatalunin ng Iraq ang Mongolia,” he said, noting the difference in strength and quality of play.
If Mongolia wins against Iraq, the three-way tie will be broken with a quotient system.
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