France struggled for most of their opening game victory against Macedonia on Friday (January 15), but a much-changed team looked sharp from the outset today and ultimately claimed a 36-26 win over Serbia.

It puts the 2014 champions safely through to the second phase ahead of their final Group A game against Poland on Tuesday (January 19).

"For sure we are glad with the result," said France coach Claude Onesta.

"It was the most important game of the first round for us.

"The players who replaced our first-choice players did very well.

"And we had no new injuries which is the best news."

Poland, the 2015 world bronze medallists, ensured their qualification with a 24-23 victory against Macedonia.

Despite finding themselves four goals behind midway through the first-half, the Poles showed their resilience to take the spoils.

Defeat for Macedonia means they face an all-or-nothing game against Serbia on Tuesday with the third qualification spot on the line. 

The shocks of the day came in Katowice, where Group B favourites Croatia fell to a 34-31 defeat at the hands of Norway following Belarus’ unexpected 39-38 triumph over Iceland.

Kristian Bjørnsen’s seven goals saw him lead the scoreboard for Norway, who bounced back superbly from their narrow opening game defeat against Iceland on Friday (January 15).

The 77 goals shared between Belarus and Iceland marked a new record in a European Championship match, beating the previous mark of 74 set when Iceland drew 37-37 with Austria in 2010.

All four teams in Group B are level on two points going into the final round of matches on Tuesday, when Belarus play Norway and Croatia go up against Iceland.

Action in Poland is scheduled to continue tomorrow with Group C and D matches taking place in Wrocław and Gdańsk respectively.

Group C sees 2014 bronze medallists Spain take on Slovenia before Germany’s clash with Sweden, while 2014 runners-up Denmark continue their Group D campaign against Montenegro after Russia’s meeting with Hungary.

Meanwhile at the Asian Men’s Championship, hosts Bahrain maintained their perfect start in Group B with a 41-18 victory over China.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are a point behind the table-topping home nation on three apiece after sharing the spoils in a 17-17 draw, while Iran are in fourth place following a 31-26 success against Lebanon.

Group A takes centre stage tomorrow as holders Qatar face Syria after South Korea’s encounter with Oman.

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