Spain qualified prematurely for the main round by beating Macedonia 32:21 (13:12) on matchday four. Spain's goalkeeper Gonzalo Perez de Vargas saved the narrow lead with a couple of saves in the first half.

Subsequently, however, the individual superiority of the Spaniards became clear. With five goals in the space of 180 seconds, Spain extended the lead to 18:12 at the start of the second half - it should be the preliminary decision. Best Spanish thrower was Aleix Gomez with six goals.

Croatia - Bahrain 32:20 (19: 9)

In the main round, Spain will face Germany and Croatia starting on 19 January, which won against outsiders Bahrain without any problems. Even before kick-off, Croatia had the main round ticket sure.

In the end, in a game in which Croatia coach Lino Cervar had spared some of his top players for the group final on Thursday against Spain, a 32:20 (19: 9) success. Manuel Strlek was with eleven goals best launcher of the Croats.

Japan - Iceland 21:25 (12:13)

Ex-national coach Dagur Sigurdsson has meanwhile conceded with Japan, the fourth defeat in the fourth game. The sixth Asian Cup defeated Iceland despite a pleasing performance 21:25 (12:13) and has no chance to reach the round of the top twelve teams.

Iceland, on the other hand, maintained the chance of winning the main round. Arnor Thor Gunnarsson from Bundesliga side Bergischer HC and Stefan Rafn Sigurmannsson were Iceland's most successful bowlers with five goals each.

On the fifth and final round of matches Iceland and Macedonia make on Thursday the last German main round opponents among themselves.

Hungary - Egypt 30:30 (14:14)

The World Cup Seventh Hungary needed a draw against Egypt to qualify for the next round. Veteran Laszlo Nagy saved Hungary one point with 30:30 seconds to go. Egypt had led in a balanced game only 29:28 and then 30:29, before the team conceded in the final minute a double time penalty for a faulty change - and shortly afterwards the equalizer.

Nevertheless, Egypt still has chances to qualify for the main round. Prerequisite for this is a victory in the last group match against Angola.

Qatar - Sweden 22:23 (11:10)

The Swedes, who have already qualified for the main round, also won their fourth game. However, the vice-European champion did not have enough time against Qatar. At the end, they had a 23:22 victory.

The most successful bowlers of the Swedes were Bundesliga pros Mattias Zachrisson from Füchse Berlin and Lukas Nilsson from THW Kiel with seven goals each.

Also played:

Angola - Argentina 26:33 (12:17)