In the second half, Slovenia moved and went away to a five-goal lead 18-13.

Poland tried to answer through its sharpest card: the edge game, but never managed to catch up. The Polish team was also hit by several unfortunate injuries to the rakes in the final stage of the match, which caused the players to lose focus.

Slovenia finally won the opening match 26-23 and impressed above all with its fast tempo changes, fearless straight strikes and a safe goalkeeper effort signed Klemen Ferlin.

A satisfied Ljubomir Vranjes, who took over the national team assignment in Slovenia as late as December 19, was seen clapping the players afterwards.

The victory can play a crucial role for Sweden, which starts the European Championship against Switzerland later tonight in the same group. Of the four teams in Group F, the two best go to the main round in Malmö, which starts on January 17.

The team meets on Sunday, something Vranjes described as a strange feeling when in 2002 he played home the European gold at home together with Sweden.