Sweden, who agonisingly lost 26-24 to Iceland in their opening Group A encounter, started much better today as they combined a relentless attack with good defence at the Spaladium Arena. 

They led 7-3 after seven minutes before assuming a 16-10 advantage at half-time.

They then continued to press home their advantage to eventually triumph 30-25 as Appelgren starred throughout.

Serbia must now beat Iceland on Tuesday (January 16) to have any chance of progressing.

Hosts Croatia edged Iceland 29-22 elsewhere in the group today in the same venue.

France, the 2014 European champions, guaranteed themselves a main round spot elsewhere today by beating Austria 33-26 in Group B.

They 17-12 at half-time before always keeping their opponents at arms length in the Žatika Sport Centre in Poreč.

It followed their nail-biting 32-31 win over Norway in their opening match.

Norway got their campaign back on track by beating Belarus 33-28 in the late game in the same venue.