Three teams maintain 100% record

All four groups are delicately poised ahead of the final preliminary round matches at the Men’s 18 EHF EURO in Poland.

The home side quickly bounced back from their disappointing opening day loss to open their account with a hard-fought win over Belarus.

A 26:24 win for the Poles sees them join Belarus on two points, behind Group D leaders Germany after Dominik Claus’ nine-goal haul led his team to a comfortable 34:25 win over last placed Czech Republic.

Another side left reeling after a defeat on day one, Denmark, also got themselves back on track with a 17-goal win over Russia, marked by an incredible second half performance in front of goal. This performance gives the Danes a massive goal difference advantage over the Russians, also on two points in Group B.

Spain’s 31:16 win over a lacklustre FYR Macedonia means that they will be safely through to the main round, barring a disaster against Russia on Sunday.

A high-scoring first half build the platform for Hungary to take a highly important win over France in a battle between the two opening day winners in Group C. Hungary are now guaranteed a place in the main round, with the other qualification place to be fought over by France and Croatia, after the Croats won at a canter against Romania, 41:26.

There was nothing to separate the four teams in Group A on Friday, with both matches ending with a draw. Iceland let a two-goal half-time lead slip against Sweden to leave the sides locked on three points, while both Switzerland and Serbia gave themselves hope of qualification after a 21:21 result, which saw Serbia blow a five-goal lead by scoring a mere six goals after the break.

Live steaming and tournament information

The Men’s 18 EHF EURO takes place in the Polish cities of Gdynia and Gdansk from 14 to 24 August 2014. All matches will be streamed live on the official website. Further information can be found on the site and the event's Facebook page.

During the tournament eurohandball.com and the EHF EURO Facebook page will also feature regular reports, features and photo galleries.

Austria hosted the Men’s 18 EHF EURO 2012. Back then Germany won, Sweden came second and Denmark placed third.