The Brazilians were keen to show their credentials ahead of next month's Olympic Games on home soil in Rio de Janeiro but dropped the opening set to the 2015 winners.

They were able to bounce back, however, as they drew level before turning the contest on its head by clinching the third set.

France kept themselves in the match in the fourth set, saving numerous match points before they eventually fell to a 16-25, 25-23, 28-26, 33-31 defeat.

The result ends their hopes of becoming the first nation to retain the FIVB World League crown and ensures Brazil will get the opportunity to lay down a crucial marker ahead of Rio 2016 when they go up against last year's runners-up in tomorrow's showpiece finale.

Serbia were earlier involved in a nail-biting semi-final with Italy, which followed the example of many of the match-ups throughout the week as it went the distance.

The pendulum swung both ways during a hard-fought encounter as Italy got their noses in front by winning the opener, before Serbia hit back to square the match at 1-1.

Serbia then edged ahead to move to within one of a place in the final but Italy held firm to send the last four clash into a deciding set.

Amid rising tension in the venue, the 2015 silver medallists kept their nerve and saw out a 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 18-25, 15-11.

"There were ups and downs especially in the first set, when we led by 3-4 points and played good in block," Serbian coach Nikola Grbic said.

"Then Italy started serving float and made series of points, so they won at the end of the day. 

"In the second set we were down in the late stage but with Luburic on the service line we scored a series of points and won. 

"After that it was obvious that both teams could win and until the end the result was open."