The two countries both have 15 points and both secured their fifth wins of the event so far today, with Brazil initially leading the standings on their own after a 23-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-22 triumph over Serbia.

In the very next game Poland came from behind to defeat Russia winning 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-14.

A point behind on 14 are France who also notched up their fifth win today by defeating Japan in five sets 21-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-21, 15-11.

Four countries have four wins to their name - Russia with 13 points, Serbia with 11 points and Iran and Slovenia, both on 12 points.

Iran were today comfortable winners over Bulgaria 25-20, 33-31, 25-22 while Slovenia were defeated by Germany, who recovered from a set down to win 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-20.

Germany are also on 11 points despite the loss but only have three wins to their name.

In the day’s other matches Argentina beat the Netherlands 25-19, 25-20, 25-23, the United States overcame Australia 25-23, 25-20, 25-17, and in the final contest before the men’s league takes a break Italy beat Canada in a five-set thriller 25-19, 25-21, 21-25, 26-28, 15-11.

The men’s competition now takes a three day break with the women’s league set to resume in Rimini, Italy, tomorrow with a full round of games.

In the women’s league, the United States and Turkey are both unbeaten heading into week three, with the countries set to face Germany and Thailand respectively tomorrow.