Henrik Toft Hansen scored 80 seconds before the buzzer in Gdańsk to bring the score to 30-28 and secure a second successive Group D win for the Danes on the back of their 31-25 triumph against Russia on Saturday (January 16).

A second defeat for Montenegro means their qualification rests on them winning their final group game against Russia, who beat Hungary 27-26 earlier today.

Goalkeeper Victor Kireev was in particularly impressive form as the Russians got themselves off the mark at the second time of asking.

"I have waited many years to get to the Russian team," said Kireev.

"Now I get my chance in a big tournament like this and I do my work.

"I am very happy now."

Joining Denmark in the second phase of the competition is Spain, who secured their progression from Group C despite drawing 24-24 with Slovenia in Wrocław.

Slovenia were on the brink of victory against the 2014 bronze medallists but let a two-goal advantage slip in the final two minutes.

"We lost one point as we had the control of the game thanks to our different defence strategies," said Slovenia coach Veselin Vujović, who celebrates his 55th birthday today.

"I'm satisfied with my team, but not with the result."

Vujović’s team now have to win their last group game against Germany, who will be in high spirits after a 27-26 victory against Sweden this evening.

Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff and captain Steffen Weinhold were both influential for the Germans in a match which saw them recover from a four-goal half-time deficit to prevail by the smallest of margins.

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

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

Meanwhile at the Asian Men’s Championship in Bahrain, holders Qatar made it two wins out of two in Group A after overcoming Syria 32-10.

In the group's other game today, South Korea bounced back from an opening defeat at the hands of Japan on Saturday (January 16) to claim a narrow 23-22 win against Oman, who have lost their two matches.

Group B takes centre stage tomorrow as hosts Bahrain face the United Arab Emirates looking to maintain their perfect record with a third successive win. 

Saudi Arabia, who currently lie in second place, go up against Lebanon after Iran’s encounter with China.

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