The hosts went down to a surprising defeat to the United States last night, their first of the Championships, and looked like they had still not got over the disappointment as they squared-up to former three-time champions Italy in their second match of Round II at the Atlas Arena in Łódź.

The Italians were also coming into the match off the back of a defeat to Serbia and it was they who started the brighter, taking the first set 25-19.

But the Poles, led by the in-form Mariusz Wlazly, who racked up 25 points of his own, showed that they are still a force to reckoned on home soil as they came roaring back taking the second set in emphatic fashion 25-18 before closing out the third and fourth sets 25-20, 26-24 to seal the victory.

Earlier at the Atlas Arena, the US followed up their win over Poland by sealing a 23-25, 31-29, 25-17, 25-21 win over Serbia to remain fourth in Pool E.

The Americans trail Iran by one point after another impressive outing by the Asian side saw them power to a 25-15, 25-23, 25-16 over Argentina at the Luczniczka Arena in Bydgoszcz.

"We played very good today," said Iran coach Slobodan Kovac.

"I really appreciate the way my team played in service and counter-attacks.

"I have noticed the difference between the last two matches, as we were too sure against Australia.

"Today we changed our attitude towards our opponent and my team played definitely better.

"The result says everything - we won 3-0."

Iran continue to impress in Poland after picking up another victory this time against Argentina ©Getty Images



France remain top of the pile in Pool E after despatching the hapless and winless Australians 25-22, 25-18, 30-32, 25-17.

Meanwhile, Pool F leaders Brazil's 25-14, 25-23, 25-18 win over China was their 100th in World Championship history as they once again displayed the speed and skill that has seen them rack up three consecutive world titles and chasing a fourth in Poland.

After starring in last night's demolition of Bulgaria, Wallace de Souza and Ricardo Lucarelli Santos de Souza lit up the Spodek hall in Katowice once again with some superb spiking and shooting skills.

Russia remain right on the coat-tails of the all-conquering Brazilians though after they secured an 18-25, 25-23, 15-25, 19-25 win over Cuba who have only China below them at the foot of the Pool F standings.

Germany sit third behind the big two in Pool F as they inflicted another loss on the Bulgarians, running out 25-16, 25-15, 23-25, 25-17 winners.

They are followed by a resurgent Canada who recorded their sixth win of the Championships at the Centennial Hall in Wroclaw with a straight sets 27-25, 27-25, 25-19 win over Finland.

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