It took The Netherlands five sets to beat hosts Japan 3-2, at the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championships in Yokohama, Japan ©Getty Images

Hosts Japan lost to The Netherlands after five sets at the International Volleyball Federation's (FIVB) Women's World Championships in Yokohama. 

The Netherlands just edged the encounter, 27-25, 16-25, 28-26, 19-25, 15-13 in the Pool A clash at Yokohama Arena.

It meant a second win for the Dutch from two games.

Elsewhere in the group, Germany whitewashed Cameroon 25-14, 25-10, 25-16.

Mexico then beat Argentina 25-20, 25-23, 25-23 as both sides recorded opening victories.

The competition saw another five set match when Russia beat Thailand in Pool C at the Kobe Green Arena. 

The Thai team were on their way to causing an upset against one of the tournament favourites when they were two sets up, but the Russians fought back to win 3-2. 

The final score was 21-25, 17-25, 25-13, 25-21, 15-9.

The United States joined Russia on two wins as they beat Trinidad and Tobago 25-11, 25-11, 25-11 elsewhere in the pool.

Russia came from behind to beat Thailand 3-2 at the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championships ©Getty Images
Russia came from behind to beat Thailand 3-2 at the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championships ©Getty Images

Azerbaijan won their first game, 25-18, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18 over winless South Korea.

In Pool B at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo, there were three straight sets victories.

Italy won for the second time against Canada, 25-15, 25-15, 25-18 as China joined them on a 100 per cent start by beating Turkey 25-18, 25-23, 25-23.

Bulgaria opened their account against Cuba, 25-10, 25-20, 25-14.

In Pool D at the Hamamatsu Arena, Serbia and Brazil maintained perfect starts.

The Serbians defeated Kenya 25-16, 25-9, 25-8 as Brazil ousted Dominican Republic 25-15, 25-20, 25-22.

Puerto Rico beat Kazakhstan 25-21, 25-15, 25-22.

The action is taking place in six venues around Japan, and continues tomorrow.