Germans grab nervy win

For the first 10 minutes of the game the Germans just couldn't get any fluidity into their game, and with Felipe Ribeiro in lethal form for the South Americans, the Brazilians were able to build up a shock early 5-3 lead.

However, the hosts finally began to find their rhythm as the half developed as goals from Markus Baur and Pascal Hens restored parity before a quick double from Florian Kehrmann saw them go 7-5 in front.

They kept that two goal advantage up until the break when then went into the dressing rooms leading 12-10.

In the second-half the Germans started playing closer to their potential and throughout the 30 minutes they kept up at least a three goal advantage over the Brazilians.

With two minutes remaining they went into a 26-20 lead for their biggest lead of the game, before the match finished 27-22.

Hens, Baur, and Kehrmann would all finish with six goals each, with Baur's finishing being particularly prolific given that he grabbed his tally from just eight shots.

Ribeiro topped all scorers with seven goals from eight attempts in a display of near impeccable shooting.

"We are glad that we have won," admitted a relieved Baur after the match. "However, there are plenty of things we need to discuss."

Torsten Jansen agreed with Baur's assessment, "there was too much eagerness in our play," he admitted afterwards.

Next up for the Germans in Group C is a meeting with Argentina, who play Poland in their first game tomorrow