The Netherlands have reached the main round for the first time ©Getty Images

The Netherlands are through to the main round at the European Men's Handball Championship for the first time at the expense of co-hosts Hungary following a pair of single-point wins in Group B.

Hungary lost the day's opening match in Budapest, falling 30-31 against an Iceland side including nine-goal Bjarki Mar Elisson.

The result knocked Hungary out, and meant winless Portugal had a chance to advance if they beat the Dutch by two or more goals.

It went down to the final minute, when Kay Smits put the Dutch 32-31 ahead and that is how it finished.

Iceland top the group with three wins from three and The Netherlands go through in second place.

In Bratislava, Germany defeated Poland 30-23 to finish top of Group D with maximum points despite also having to battle a COVID-19 outbreak.

Poland had already booked their main-round place; Belarus beat Austria 29-26 in the other match.

Tomorrow is a rest day, before the main round begins on Thursday (January 20).

Points earned in the preliminary round against sides who also advanced are carried forward.