The German team swept aside Belarus 25-10, 25-15, 25-15 to complete the group stage with a 100 per cent record at Ondrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava.

Russia, Slovakia and Spain have also qualified from the last 16 from Pool D.

The Russians bounced back from their defeat to Slovakia yesterday by overcoming Spain 25-115, 25-19, 25-22.

The result saw Russia move into second place behind Germany and ahead of Slovakia, while Spain will finish the group phase in fourth.

Croatia booked their place in the knockout round following a 25-20, 25-23, 35-33 triumph over Hungary in Pool C at Budapest Sports Arena.

They look set to be joined by Azerbaijan, who edged out Estonia 25-20, 18-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-11 in the other match in the group.

In Pool B, Belgium leapfrogged Poland into second with a battling 20-25, 27-25, 20-25, 25-21, 17-15 victory against the hosts at Atlas Arena in Łódź.

Pool A hosts Turkey kept pace with world and European champions Serbia by recording their fourth straight win at Ankara Arena.

Turkey beat France 25-19, 25-19, 25-16, while Serbia maintained their perfect start by easing to a 25-21, 25-17, 25-1 success against Greece.