The Brazilians, who won all their matches in Pool C in Kobe, continued their run, 25-19, 25-21, 25-23, against a talented Azerbaijani team who are struggling to perform to their potential.

It was Azerbaijan's fourth defeat of the competition, having won just two games in Sapporo's Pool B last week, and probably wipes out their chances of a place in the semi-finals.

For Brazil, it was another efficient victory as they seek first place in the group and a favourable semi-final draw.

The match started with the teams feeling each other out. Azerbaijan's leading spiker Natalya Mammadova hung back as Yelena Shabovta and libero Valeriya Korotenko made most of the plays.

Mammadova's first spike was an effort down the middle that made the score 7-7.

Brazil had Jaqueline Carvalho on the left to get on the end of their attacks with Marianne Steinbrecher available to power them down the centre.

Brazil clearly had more options in attack and that helped them to a 16-11 lead at the second time out.

Their defence were also dominant with Carvalho, Walewska Oliviera and Sheila Castro providing solid blocking.

Brazil closed out the set after an Azerbaijan block attempt was pushed wide.

The Brazilians edged to an 8-7 lead in the second set as Azerbaijan started to get into their stride.

Mammadova and Shabovta came out with some crucial winners and Azerbaijan knew that these two players had to be on top form if they were to compete with the Brazilians.

Brazil were 16-14 in front at the second time-out with their defence and attack a step in front of the hard-working Azerbaijanis.

A couple of easy spikes by Caroline Gattaz took Brazil to a 21-16 lead and Mammadova's wide serve gave Brazil the set and a two-love lead.

Carvalho and Castro led a swift assault on Azerbaijan in the third set to give Brazil an 8-4 lead.

Azerbaijan simply weren't firing and needed their big players to match the Brazilians.

This they did, clawing back to catch the Brazilians at 14-14 before taking the lead for the first time in the set.

The east Europeans held a 16-14 lead before Brazil fought back and took it to 20-20.

Brazil were handed the set, and the match, when Mammadova sent her spike from the left wide.

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