Both countries won their opening third round matches yesterday, with hosts Italy dispatching the United States and Brazil beating China.

And with the way the two Pools have played out, they can both relax with places in the last four secured.

But both the US and China had work to do to join them there.

Facing must win matches in Milan, both sides managed to keep alive their Championship charge.

China will have to wait until tomorrow to find out if they have made it into the last four after beating Dominican Republic ©Getty Images for FIVB



Up against Dominican Republic, China lost the first two sets and trailed late in the third before reversing the momentum in a 22-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 15-12 victory.

Interestingly, it was the 22nd time China were 2-0 down in a World Championship match, but the first time they turned it into a 3-2 victory.

China end Pool H with two points, and must await tomorrow's match between Brazil and Dominican Republic to learn their fate.

In the other match in Milan, the US overcame defending champions Russia 25-19, 25-23, 15-25, 25-23 in Pool G.

The US will advance to the semi-finals unless Russia win their match against Italy tomorrow 3-0 or 3-1.

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