The team of Bulgaria lost 1:3 its third and final first stage game against the Czech Republic Tuesday in the 2010 volleyball World Championship in Italy.

The match started out even, but the Czechs took the lead and managed to win 23:25, 25:27, 30:28, 25:27.

Italian referee Simone Santi, who also refereed at Bulgaria's Sunday 2:3 loss against France, made again some controversial decisions to the Bulgarian team's disadvantage.

On its part the Bulgarian team did not play at its top level either and committed many errors, which led to its defeat.

With two losses and one win (against China), Bulgaria's chances are to be third in Pool E, which would allow it to advance to the next stage.

Nevertheless, the final outcome still depends on the result of the last game in the pool later on Monday evening, between China and France.

There is a worst-case scenario in which China crushes France and leaves Bulgaria fourth to drop off right at the tournament's first stage.

If China pulls off against France later on Monday evening, it will have the same amounts of points as Bulgaria, and it needs a very big set points difference to oust Bulgaria from Pool E's third place.

If it remains third in the pool, in the next round Bulgaria will advance to Pool N and play against the first team in Pool F (Poland or Serbia) and the second team in Pool B (Cuba or Brazil).