Valero Rivera top scored for Spain in the Group C clash with seven goals, followed by Victor Tomas with six as the 2014 bronze medallists edged their opponents in Wrocław.

Christian Dissinger’s six goals saw him make the biggest mark on the scoresheet of 2007 world champions Germany, who failed to overturn a 18-15 half-time deficit in spite of their endeavour.

"That was not an easy game," said Spain’s Joan Cañellas.

"It was the first game of this competition and it's always difficult to start, especially when you play against a team like Germany.

"They are very aggressive.

“They have some young players but they play really good - players with a bright future."

Joining Spain at the top of the group after the first round of matches is Sweden thanks to their 23-21 success against Slovenia. 

As for Group D, 2014 runners-up Denmark had to be patient against Russia but ultimately showed their quality to triumph 31-25 in Gdańsk.

Tied at 13-13 at the midway point, It took until the second-half for the Danes to stamp their authority on their opening match and ensure victory.

Mads Mensah Larsen, Mikkel Hansen and Michael Damgaard Nielsen each scored four goals for Denmark in a hard-fought win.

The other match in Group D was won by Hungary, who led their match against Montenegro from start to finish on their way to a 32-27 win.

Action in Poland is scheduled to continue tomorrow with Group A and B matches taking place in Kraków and Katowice respectively.

Group A sees defending champions France take on Serbia before Macedonia’s clash with hosts Poland, while Croatia continue their Group B campaign against Norway after Belarus’ meeting with Iceland.

Meanwhile at the Asian Men’s Championship in Bahrain, defending champions Qatar defeated Oman 37-19 in their opening Group A match following Japan’s 31-25 victory over South Korea in the same pool.

Group B takes centre stage tomorrow as the hosts face China, following the United Arab Emirates’ encounter with Saudi Arabia and Lebanon’s match against Iran.

The competition's top four teams will secure their place at the 2017 World Championships in France next January.