Already in the first round there was a bang in the handball World Cup in Japan.

That after France lost 27-29. After the first half, the French led 13-13. But South Korea made a strong second half and won it 17-17 and the match 29-27.

Reigning European champion

France is one of the favorites to win the handball World Cup in Japan. Last year, the team won the European Championship after defeating Russia by 25-21 in the European Cup final.

Notable from the first round is that Spain crushed Romania by 31-16 (9-16). Just before leaving for the championship, the Romanian national team was shaken by a suspected doping scandal. It after players from the same club team should have undergone a so-called intravenous laser treatment.

The host nation Japan, which plays in Sweden's group, won by 24-20 over Argentina in its opening match.

At 12.30, Sweden enters the tournament as Congo-Kinshasa awaits the World Cup premiere.