The Spain-Greece game, played in Plovdiv's Kolodrum in Bulgaria, was a back-and-forth affair as the Spaniards eventually won 25-22, 24-26, 25-16, 22-15, 15-13 to lift themselves off the bottom of Pool B.

Greece now languish in last place after a third consecutive loss.

Bulgaria lost to Germany on home soil in the pool's other match, which also went to five sets.

Germany were twice pegged back on their way to winning 25-23, 16-25, 25-21, 18-25, 15-10.

Elsewhere in the tournament, there were four shutouts as Croatia beat Slovakia in three sets with the backing of home fans in Zadar in Pool C.

Similarly, Serbia overcame Belgium, winning each set 25-21 in Belgrade to continue their 100 per cent record and go top Pool A.

Turkey were triumphant over Sweden after wearing them down in a gruelling 31-29 first set, and join The Netherlands at the top of Pool D on nine points.

The Netherlands beat Romania in Cluj-Napoca, but it took four sets.

Russia comprehensively beat Azerbaijan 25-16, 25-17, 25-13 in Pool A.

The Azerbaijanis' torrid tournament continues as they are yet to win a single set.

In the last game of the day, Italy soundly defeated Hungary 25-16, 25-15, 25-19 and stay on Croatia's tail for top spot of Pool C.