Brazil, Germany into last four of Volleyball Men's World Championship

The defending champions, who have won each of the last three titles, bounced back after losing to Pool H rivals and hosts Poland in five sets 24 hours previously with a strong performance against the six-time champions on Wednesday.

Bernardo Rezende's men came through 25-22 25-20 25-21 to keep their hopes of retaining the trophy very much intact.

Ricardo Lucarelli was the star of the show for Brazil as he top scored with 15 points while Wallace De Souza contributed 14 points to assure a spot in the last four.

Germany join Brazil in the semis after they needed just three sets to overcome Iran and earn qualification from Pool G.

Vital Heynen's side controlled the encounter throughout to claim a 25-15 25-21 25-19 success, marking the first time that Germany has reached the last four of the competition for the first time as a unified nation.

And Germany captain Jochen Schops was quick to hail their achievement.

Schops said: "Nobody really expected such a result so I'm proud of my team."