The Germans had been 9-8 up at half-time in their match at the Varaždin Arena, helped out by a first half hat-trick from Julius Kuhn.

Denmark, who have two European titles to their name and last won the competition in 2012, recovered superbly to put their opponents to the sword, surviving a late German rally to record a 26-25 victory in front of 3,112 spectators.

Hans Lindberg was undoubtedly the star man in the Croatian city as he registered nine goals for his team, including the final two of the 26 in the 58th and 59th minutes respectively.

This result means Denmark now top the group and are the favourites to become a number one seed when the quarter-final lineup is decided on Wednesday (January 24).

It leaves Germany facing the prospect of being unseeded for their match should they get through.

The second match of the day saw Spain record a comprehensive 31-20 victory over Macedonia, putting them in the driving seat to qualify for the fifth-place playoff on January 26.

In today’s African Men’s Handball Championship, Congo managed to avoid elimination from the tournament by beating Cameroon 29-22 at Le Palais des Sports de Libreville in Libreville.

Cameroon have now been eliminated from the tournament with one match remaining.

It is, however, still looking tight at the top of group A with Tunisia and Algeria both sitting on five points following a 25-25 draw between the two sides today.

Tunisia currently top the table on goal difference.

In Group B, Morocco secured a vital 33-28 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo to give themselves a chance of staying in the tournament whilst defending champions Egypt defeated Angola 25-20.

Despite losing today, Angola still top the group but Egypt have a game in hand.

There were no matches at the Asian Men’s Handball Championship today.

Action in all three tournaments is due continue tomorrow.