Olympic champions France and the Netherlands were the two big favourites before the start of the group and they can confirm their status by progressing to the main round, with a game to spare on Wednesday, when they will be facing off in Skopje.

Wins against Romania and North Macedonia are mandatory to confirm that status, but the two sides have looked flawless at times, being capable of producing high quality handball, as the two underdogs need to bounce back after disappointing losses.