Hosts beaten by Poland

Poland surged in to a 14-12 half-time lead, and although Germany came back strongly in the second half, including a run of five unanswered goals that took them in to a slender lead, Poland fought back to claim the win.

Karol Bielecki led the scoring for the Poles, firing home seven goals from 12 attempts, while Mariusz Juraski contributed six, although they were also grateful to goalkeeper Slawomir Szmal for several crucial saves in the closing minutes.

The result means Poland will progress as Group C winners and begin the main round, where the top two in each group progress and the result from their opening match counts, with a points-advantage over the hosts.

France will also begin the second group phase with one defeat after losing 32-24 to Iceland, a victory that sealed their progress.

The European champions trailed 18-8 at half-time and couldn't pull back the deficit with Olafur Stefansson scoring six.

Slovenia join Iceland and Poland with a victory in Group I after Jure Natek bagged eight in a 34-27 triumph over fellow qualifiers Tunisia.

Defending champion Spain cruised past the Czech Republic 35-29 in Bremen thanks to seven goals from David Davis Camara and Olympic winners Croatia beat Russia 32-27 in their crunch Group F match at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart to ensure both countries join Hungary with two points when Group II commences on Wednesday.

European bronze medalists Denmark beat Norway 27-25 in the winner-takes-all clash in Kiel thanks to six goals from Lars Christiansen.