The biggest surprise of the tournament to date came in Ostrava as the French fell to a 25-22, 25-19, 34-32 defeat against the co-hosts.

The Czechs entered the court fired up and flew out of the blocks.

After a comfortable first two sets, France finally got in gear to produce a thrilling third period.

The Tokyo 2020 gold medallists had a two set points as they led 24-22.

However the hosts, buoyed by vocal fans, denied both and eventually converted their ninth match point after a marathon tiebreak.

Jan Hadrava was instrumental for the Czechs as he scored 18 points, while France's Jean Patry ended with a match-high 20 points.

Hadrava's side will face Slovenia in the quarter-finals after they dispatched Croatia in four sets.

Silver medallists at the last edition of the tournament, Slovenia were  the favourites and their blocking stats made the difference as they recorded 11 kill blocks to Croatia's two.

The Slovenes cruised into an early lead after winning the opening two sets, but Leo Andrić spearheaded the comeback for Croatia with a brilliant run in the third set.

The 27-year-old scored 14 points, including an unprecedented seven aces.

Slovenia did not let complacency take over though and battered Croatia in set four, winning 25-20, 25-18, 19-25, 25-12.

Andrić was the top scorer of the match with 21 points while Klemen Cebulj led the way for Slovenia with 13 points.

The quarter-finals are set to get underway tomorrow in Gdańsk as Russia play hosts Poland while The Netherlands meet Serbia.

Italy and Germany make up the last match of the final eight.