Dhe top favorites of the European handball championship got off to a successful start in the tournament. Defending champion Spain prevailed against the Czech Republic on Thursday evening in Bratislava with 28:26 (14:11). Olympic champions France, world champions Denmark, record European champions Sweden and Norway also achieved victories at the start. Co-hosts Hungary, on the other hand, suffered a surprising defeat in the first game in front of more than 20,000 spectators in Budapest.
The Hungarians lost against outsiders Netherlands, despite the loud support of their fans, with 28:31 (10:13). In contrast, the other contenders for the title showed no nakedness. France prevailed in the first top game of the tournament with 27:22 (13:11) against the corona-plagued Croatians.
Denmark won clearly with 30:21 (18:10) against Montenegro, Sweden won with 30:18 (17:11) against Bosnia-Hercegovina. Norway also had no problems at the start and prevailed against co-hosts Slovakia with 35:25 (15:11). The German team starts the tournament against Belarus on Friday (6 p.m. / ARD).
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