The match at the Tauron Arena came just a day after a terrorist attack in Nice, where 84 people lost their lives when a lorry driver drove into crowds of people who had been celebrating Bastille Day on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

A minute's silence was held before the contest got underway to commemorate the victims of the atrocity, while FIVB President Ary Graça wrote to the French Volleyball Federation to express his condolences.

"I am very happy to qualify for the semi-finals and about what my guys showed on the court of course," France coach Laurent Tillie said.

"But today it was not only about volleyball, because of the situation in Nice. 

"I’m from this city and my players were not focused only on the game. 

"We wanted to show life and joy on the court and I think we did it."

In a rematch of last year's FIVB World League final, France took on a Serbian side who had already ensured their place in the next round after they beat in their Pool J1 opener against Poland yesterday.

The French got off to a rapid start and raced into a two-set lead, before Serbia found their rhythm.

They were able to halve the deficit and then managed to send the contest into a decider by winning the fourth set, but France recovered once again to clinch a 25-20, 25-19, 24-26, 19-25, 15-12 triumph.

Antonin Rouzier proved to be the match winner for the French as he claimed an individual haul of 22 points to help guide his side through to the last four.

Brazil are also through to the semi-finals as they fought back from two sets down to beat the United States 24-26, 21-25, 28-26, 25-21, 15-12.

The South Americans have joined Italy in qualifying from Pool K1.

In the last four, Serbia will face the Italians before France continue their pursuit of a second straight title when they take on Brazil.

Both matches are scheduled to take place tomorrow before the final brings the event to a close on Sunday (July 17).