The Argentines raced into a 4-0 lead against Croatia, with Federico Pizarro scoring three of those goals, and went on to win 23-19 despite Croatia drawing level at the half.

Argentina rallied to restore the four-goal advantage and the win sees them leapfrog Croatia to go second in Group II, with six points to Croatia's five.

Defending champions Denmark defeated Japan 34-27 and have eight points, assuring them of a top-two finish and a place in the last eight.

Emil Jakobsen scored 12 times for the Danes.

Qatar beat Bahrain 28–23 in the group's other match, boosted by nine goals from naturalised Cuban Rafael Da Costa Capote.

Qatar have four points and could still qualify should they beat Argentina in the final round of group matches, while Croatia will play Denmark.

In Group I, Spain thrashed Uruguay 38-23 and Hungary saw off Poland 30-26.

The wins see them through to the quarter-finals and the group's other four teams have been eliminated - even Germany, who defeated Brazil 31-24.

Group III and Group IV are in action tomorrow at the International Handball Federation's marquee tournament, with no side in either group yet guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals.