Defending champion France is starting to gain momentum at the Handball World Cup in Germany and Denmark. The French defeated the main round kick of the Group I European champions Spain 33:30 (17:15) and have with 5-1 points further good chances to the semi-finals. Ex-World Champion Spain threatens with 2: 4 points out.
The German handball players could equal in the evening (20.30 clock, live ticker SPIEGEL ONLINE) with a win against Iceland with France on points, Croatia (4: 0 points) plays only on Sunday against Brazil.
Ludovic Fabregas and Dika Mem were the most successful laureates of the two-time Olympic champion with six goals each. Ferrán Solé also prevented the Spanish defeat with eleven goals. In front of 18,121 spectators in Cologne, France impressed against the Spaniards, who were strong in defense. After a 18:18 (34th), the French, who have recently lost a World Cup match in 2013, presumably settled on 26:20 (45th).
Who plays in the main round? Here's the game plan.
In the main round group II Sweden won again. The European vice-champion defeated African champions Tunisia in Herning sovereign 35:23 (19:14) and took over with 6-0 points at least temporarily the championship lead. Niclas Ekberg from German record champions THW Kiel and Andreas Nilsson were the best throwers of their team with seven goals each.
Olympic champion Denmark (4-0) can pass Sweden on Saturday night (20.30). The co-host meets the World Cup Seventh Hungary.