World Cup runner-up Sweden trembled in the main round of the European Handball Championship.
The Scandinavians separated from the Czech Republic 27:27 (12:11) on Monday evening and only reached the second phase of the tournament thanks to the better goal difference compared to their equal-points rival.
In addition to Sweden, defending champions Spain, Olympic bronze medalists Norway and Russia are the main round opponents of the German team, which will be fighting for the first points against Poland in the group final on Tuesday.
Norway made progress with a 35:29 (16:16) against Lithuania.
Russia defeated Slovakia 36:27 (19:9) and, like Spain, has a clean sheet.
The 2018 and 2020 European champions won against Bosnia-Hercegovina 28:24 (12:14).
The other top favorites also completed a flawless preliminary round.
Olympic champion France won against Serbia 29:25 (16:7) and took two points into the main round, as did Denmark.
The world champion prevailed against North Macedonia with 31:21 (15:11).
On the other hand, secret tip Slovenia has already been eliminated after a 32:33 (19:16) against Montenegro.