Slovenia's third win saw them reach the last 16 in France ©Getty Images

Slovenia became the first team to secure a place in the International Handball Federation (IHF) World Championships last 16 after they earned their third Group B win in France.

Victories over Angola and Iceland in their first ties had put Slovenia on the brink of the next round before their match against Macedonia at the Arenes de Metz.

A strong first half display saw Slovenia open up a 16-10 advantage in the contest and they narrowly extended the lead in the second half to seal a 29-22 victory.

Their triumph was aided by Marko Bezjak and Gasper Marguč, who both found the net four times.

The win placed Slovenia at the top of the Group B standings and ensured they would be one of four nations to progress.

They were joined by Spain, who triumphed 42-22 against winless Angola in the late match in Metz.

Russia defeated Poland 24-20 in a key Group A match at the Exponantes – Hall XXL in Nantes.

Their victory saw a four point gap open up in the standings between a trio of teams - Norway, Brazil and Russia - and the bottom two of Poland and Japan.

The host nation France, Russia and Brazil were also celebrating the result as they all progressed to the last 16, while Norway also stand on the brink of the last 16.

Hungary boosted their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals of the IHF World Championships by beating Chile in Group C at the Kindarena in Rouen ©Getty Images
Hungary boosted their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals of the IHF World Championships by beating Chile in Group C at the Kindarena in Rouen ©Getty Images

Group C saw Hungary earn their first win of the tournament as they overcame Chile 34-29 at the Kindarena in Rouen.

The result saw the Hungary move into a qualification spot ahead of their rivals.

Croatia continued their unbeaten record in Rouen where they beat Belarus 31-25 to move to the top of the standings and secured qualification, with the nation moving ahead of Germany.

The defeat saw Belarus remain in third place.

Bahrain, seeking their first win of the tournament, fell to a third straight defeat in Group D at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris.

They were narrowly beaten 31-29 by Egypt to remain outside the qualification places, while the African nation moved into third spot.

Olympic champions Denmark recorded their third victory of the event, overcoming neighbours Sweden in the second match in the French capital.

The teams headed into the contest off the back of two consecutive wins, but Denmark prevailed 27-25.

They became the first team from Group D to reach the last 16.