Poland, the current world champions, were victims of a sensational performance from Brazilian spiker Renan Buiatti who scored 18 points in his country's victory in Group E1 at the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna.

The 27-year old was in a class of his own as he lead his teammates to their fourth straight victory, following wins over Iran, Italy and Canada. 

Brazil raced into a 2-0 lead after winning the opening two sets 25-21 and 25-20.

Their European rivals responded by winning the third 17-25 but the South Americans proved too strong and took the fourth set 25-19.

"We played very good volleyball today without mistakes," said Brazilian captain Bruno Rezendel.

"We got this victory which Is really important for us and our team, so now we hope to have another victory tomorrow."

In the other match in Bulgaria today, the hosts lost to Canada 27-25, 30-28, 21-25, 25-23.

Elsewhere today Belgium claimed a five set win over Argentina in Tehran in Group D1.

The Belgians were involved in another thriller yesterday when they beat Belgium in five sets at the Azadi Sports Complex.

Argentina were their second victims in as many days as 19 points from Belgian Sam Deroo guided his team to a 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 24-26, 15-6 success.

The other match in Tehran saw hosts Iran lose to Serbia.

The European nation raced into the lead after winning the opening two games 25-20 and 25-23.

Buoyed by the local support the Iranians began to mount a fight back as they took the third with ease 16-25.

However their optimism proved short lived as Serbia closed out the match by winning the fourth 25-16. 

In Group F1 hosts France came from behind to beat Italy, who won the silver medal at Rio 2016, 21-25, 25-21, 25-21, 26-24 at the Palais Des Sports in Pau.

The United States were also victorious as they coasted past Russia 25-20, 25-22, 25-22 in Pau.