Germans in cruise mode against misfiring Azerbaijan

The Germans won 27-25, 25-18, 25-20 in a largely one-sided match on Saturday as they recovered from their first defeat of the tournament the previous day to Russia.

Azerbaijan will be desperately disappointed with the defeat. While Germany are a strong team, on paper and based on previous matches, they are certainly not 3-0 better than the east Europeans.

But that was the outcome on Saturday as the efforts of the past few days, all of them involving four sets, affected Azerbaijan, who are 1-3 after four matches.

Azerbaijan's only victory was over Dominican Republic with other defeats at the hands of China and Russia.

They can still qualify for the second round if they beat Mexico in their final match on Sunday.

Germany are safe for the Osaka round with a 3-1 record, which they will try to improve upon against China, who are also 3-1, on Sunday.

Germany took an early advantage but the Azerbaijanis refused to let them out of their sights, fighting back to 22-19.

Star attacker Natalya Mammadova's spike from the left brought Azerbaijan to within 22-23 as the Germans called a time-out and then a German spike sailed long, allowing their opponents to tie it at 23-23.

Another missed spike gave Azerbaijan set point but Cornelia Dumler made no mistake to force deuce and a successful block eventually gave Germany the set.

Germany pulled out some impressive serves and attacking moves to go 8-2 up in the second set.

Azerbaijan coach Faig Garayev was pulling his hair out on the sidelines as his players failed to cope with German attacks from Angelina Grun and Birgit Thumm.

A few attacks from Mammadova and Oksana Mammadyarova gave Azerbaijan hope but Germany had too many tricks for their opponents.

Even the normally reliable veteran Yelena Shabovta struggled to find her range as Germany wrapped up the set when Kathleen Weiss blocked Mammadova's spike.

Germany clearly wanted it more, chasing every ball as they powered to an 8-2 lead in the third set.

Azerbaijan failed to find an answer with their main players, Mammadova and Shabovta failing to fire in both defence and attack.

Germany completed their victory when Grun fired in the winning spike.

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