Chasing a fourth consecutive world crown, Brazil bounced back from their defeat to hosts Poland last night by powering to an impressive 3-0 win over reigning Olympic champions Russia at the Atlas Arena in Łódź.

After going down to Poland in a five-set thriller, the Brazilians took to the court knowing anything other than victory would mean they would be making an early exit.

And the defending champions showed their class and determination by romping to a 25-22, 25-20, 25-21 led by Ricardo Lucarelli Santos De Souza and Wallace De Souze, who top-scored with 15 and 14 points respectively.

The Brazilians sit on four points in Pool H and have guaranteed a place in the last four.

Poland and Russia will take to the court at the Atlas Arena tomorrow night in a winner-takes-all clash to secure the remaining semi-final place in the pool.

Meanwhile, Gyorgy Grozer was the star man for Germany over in the Spodek Arena in Katowice, as he tallied 22 points in a 25-15, 25-21, 25-19 win over Iran.

The German side played exceptionally well at the net scoring with 12 blocks to Iran's six by while out-serving their opponents 8-2.

Germany celebrate victory over Iran and a place in the semi-final of the Volleyball World Championships ©Getty Images




Germany's 25-15, 25-21, 25-19 win is enough to see them through to the last four and was a marked improvement on their outing against France the night before when they succumbed in straight sets.

"Yesterday all was wrong with our team, today my team showed other face," said Germany coach Vital Heynen

"We played good in block and defence.

"It's hard to say what happened with us, I'm surprised that I'm sitting in the place of the winner."

Germany captain Jochen Schöps added: "We're happy, especially that we played much better than yesterday.

"Nobody really expected such result so I'm proud of my team."

Iran and France will play their final Pool G match tomorrow and barring a huge collapse, the French look favourites to secure a place in the last four.

Iran need a three-point win and overturn a 35-point overall difference in terms of points won and lost totals.

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