The Brazilian team were hoping to seal a third straight win heading into their Pool B match in the Bulgarian city.

They appeared on course after claiming the opening set 25-21 against their Dutch opponents.

An impressive fightback saw the Netherlands level the scores, before maintaining their momentum to achieve a four set victory in the tie.

The Dutch emerged as 21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 winners to move third in the Pool B standings, with Brazil dropping to fourth.

Canada remain top of the Pool B standings after they recorded a third consecutive success.

They achieved a 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 25-23 win over Canada to remain the only unbeaten side in the pool, edging away from second place France in the process.

United States have replicated Canada’s record in Pool C, as the Americans beat Russia 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-20.

The defeat saw Russia slip to third in the standings behind Serbia, who were 20-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-20 winners against Tunisia today.

Defending champions Poland continued their strong start to the tournament by beating Finland 25-20, 26-28, 25-16, 25-15.

They are joined at the top of the Pool D standings by Iran, following their 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19 win against Cuba.

Poland and Iran will enjoy a rest day tomorrow before the two teams unbeaten records are put on the line when they meet on Monday (September 17).

Italy, the tournament co-hosts with Bulgaria, continued their winning streak in Pool A.

They came from a set down in Florence to beat Argentina 22-25, 25-15, 25-23, 28-26.

Slovenia also remain unbeaten in the pool, as they edged Belgium 22-25, 21-25, 19-25, 23-25, 15-13 in a thrilling encounter.

The Championship will continue tomorrow with the penultimate day of pool matches.