Both nations made it through their respective playoffs at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku this evening.

Belarus secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the continental tournament for the first time since 1995.

The Czech Republic dominated the early stages and claimed a 2-0 lead in the match and were only two points away from a straight sets win.

Belarus mounted a sensational comeback though to win 18-25, 23-25, 27-25, 25-22, 17-15.

“It was one of the most dramatic matches of my career," said Belarus' Volha Palcheuskaya.

"We fought for every ball.

"After losing two sets, our team had just one option – to win three in a row and we did it."

Awaiting them in the next round are Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallists Serbia.

The Netherlands also progressed but in much more comfortable fashion against Croatia.

Silver medallists at the 2015 edition of this tournament, the Dutch team stormed to a comprehensive 25-18, 25-8, 25-21 win to secure their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will be playing Italy.

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

More play-off matches will be staged tomorrow.

Poland face Turkey while Germany take on Bulgaria with both matches taking place in Baku.