Iran's captain Amirhossein Esfandiar, right, has led his team to a first final in the FIVB Men's Under-21 World Championship in Bahrain ©FIVB

Iran reached the final of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Men's Under-21 World Championship for the first time today as they beat favourites Brazil, seeking a fifth world title, in Bahrain.

The Iranians, whose previous-best performance in this competition was a bronze medal in 2007, earned a 25-20, 25-14, 25-17 victory in Isa Sport City Hall C against a side that was last in the final in 2013, when they took silver.

Porya Yali scored 18 points for Iran and their captain Amirhosseein Esfandiar, most valuable player in the 2017 version of this tournament, contributed 14 points.

Brazil's Viktor was a loser against Iran in the semi-finals of the FIVB Men's Under-21 Championship in Bahrain, despite top-scoring for his side with 10 points ©FIVB
Brazil's Viktor was a loser against Iran in the semi-finals of the FIVB Men's Under-21 Championship in Bahrain, despite top-scoring for his side with 10 points ©FIVB

Viktor Aleksander Almeida Cardoso was Brazil’s top scorer with 10.

Iran’s opponents in tomorrow’s final will be Italy, who had earlier beaten Russia 24-26, 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 and will now seek, like their opponents, to earn a first title.

Italy were last in the final in 1993.

The final will be preceded by a third-place playoff between Brazil and Russia.