The squad faced an early elimination in Poland if they lost to South Korea in their Pool B match played at the Spodek in Katowice.

But the beaten finalists in 2010 moved into the ascendancy from a set apiece to win 25-21, 23-25, 25-14, 25-22.

"We were under pressure, if we lost, we would be out of the competition," said Cuban coach Rodolfo Sanchez.

"It was important to win and get three points.

"All players took part in the match, especially [Felix] Champan played very well."

While Cuba won their first game of three in Poland, their Pool B opponents Brazil kept their perfect record with a straight sets victory over Finland in Katowice, coming out on top 27-25, 25-21, 26-24.

Germany are second in Pool B after winning their second game of the Championship in Katowice.

They beat Tunisia 25-13, 25-19, 21-25, 25-12.

Russia sit atop Pool C with three wins in three ©Getty Images for FIVB



Today's play also saw three Pool C matches at the Ergo Arena in Gdansk.

Russia maintained their unbeaten record, while their opponents Mexico remain rooted to the foot of the table with no wins.

They won the first set but ultimately lost 21-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-17.

China went into today unbeaten, but could not keep that record up against a strong Bulgarian side, who won 25-23, 25-23, 25-19.

Meanwhile, Canada trounced Egypt 25-14, 25-19, 25-22.

Tomorrow will see 12 matches played across all four Pools.

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