Played in front of a buoyant crowd at the Centennial Hall in Wrocław, it was Iran who raced into a two set lead, with scorelines of 25-23 and 25-19.

But the US, who won the Championship for the one and only time in 1986, responded by winning the third 25-19 and the fourth 25-18 to leave the match heading into a decider.

Iran led early on at 3-1, but the teams were locked together as the set reached its most tense moment at 13-13, before an error by the US handed their opponents a 17-15 win.

The victory means Iran have won their first two games at a Volleyball World Championship for the first time.

They caused a shock on day two with a 3-1 win over three-times champions Italy, while the US won their first game against Belgium 3-2.

Poland made easy meat of Australia to give the home crowd plenty to cheer
©Getty Images for FIVB



Hosts Poland backed up their opening day win over Serbia with a 3-0 demolition of Australia, winning 25-17, 25-19, 25-22 in Wrocław.

Serbia made amends for falling at the hands of Poland three days ago, with a 3-1 win over Argentina in Wrocław, ending the match 25-17, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21.

Belgium beat Puerto Rico 25-19, 25-17, 25-20 in Kraków for a straight sets victory, while Venezuela needed four sets to dispatch Cameroon 25-22, 25-21, 31-33, 25-14 in Wrocław.

The day of pool games ended with an entertaining joust between France and Italy at the Kraków Arena.

Italy eventually came out on top in five sets, coming from behind to win 20-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-13, 15-12.

Tomorrow's matches include Cuba versus Germany and Tunisia versus Brazil.