Tokyo, Japan, May 25, 2016 - Iran and Australia will meet in an all-AVC clash to open the competition at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan.
Head-to-head
• Iran and Australia have met at each of the last three World Olympic Qualification tournaments.
• In 2012, Australia won 3-1 and eventually qualified for the Olympic Games in London, while Iran failed to qualify.
• Iran won in straight sets in 2004 and 2008, but on both occasions they failed to make it to the Olympic Games, while Australia did qualify in 2004.
• Their most recent meeting came at the 2015 World Cup when Australia won in straight sets.
Iran
• Iran are hoping to qualify for their first Olympic Games.
• Iran could become the fifth side representing the AVC to qualify for the Olympic Games, after Australia, China, Japan and Korea.
• Four years ago, Iran finished third at the World Olympic Qualification tournament behind Serbia and opponents Australia.
• Iran have lost only two of their last eight World Olympic Qualification matches. One of these defeats was the last match against Australia on 5 June 2012.
Australia
• The first Olympic Games at which Australia were present were the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney when they hosted the competition.
• Since 2000, Australia qualified for the Olympic Games of 2004 and 2012 as the best performing Asian side at the World Olympic Qualification tournaments.
• Australia have won their last two matches at a World Olympic Qualification tournament. Both wins came against AVC sides as they defeated Korea (3-1) and China (3-0).