After two victories without dropping a set, the home crowd were looking for more of the same at the National Gymnastics Arena in the country's capital city Baku.

They did not have it all their own way but recovered from going 1-0 behind to win 19-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-18.

It means that Azerbaijan have finished top of Group A with maximum points, and have thus earned an automatic spot in the quarter-finals.

Poland and Germany, finishing second and third respectively, must enter the play-offs to seal a last eight place.

The match was the only Group A game to be played today.

In Group C, also in Baku, Russia made it three wins from three as they beat Bulgaria.

It was an epic five-set clash with the Russians triumphing 21-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 15-13 to top the pile.

Bulgaria have finished second and must enter the play-off system.

Turkey then beat Ukraine 25-20, 25-19, 20-25, 25-23 to finish third and also earn a play-off berth.

The tournament is being co-hosted by Georgia's capital Tbilisi. 

Play-offs will be staged tomorrow.