Fired by a strong start, the world number eight Germans took the opening set 25-16 before working behind their block to win the second 25-22.

A thrilling third set went right to the wire, with Heiko Wiesenthal giving the Germans an early advantage before Egypt hit back to take it to 25-23.

It proved to be only a minor setback for the Europeans, though, as they claimed the decisive fourth set 26-24 to ensure top spot in the group.