They faced a quality Tunisia side, who never allowed the 2017 Youth World Championship silver medal-winning squad to relax, but maintained the advantage throughout the game to eventually win 26-20 at the As Travesas Sports Hall.

The other matches in Group A in Vigo saw European champions Slovenia beat Japan 29-22 and Serbia thrash the United States 36-19.

Serbia struggled in the early stages and were losing 5-4 when, in the 17th minute, Serbia coach Boris Rojevic used his first time-out card.

It proved to be a tactical masterstroke as Serbia, led by 10 goals from Nikola Ivanovic, simply overpowered their opponents and outscored them 23-10 in the second 30 minutes.

It leaves the three European teams in Group A all with four points after two matches, with Spain on top thanks to goal difference, and all the rest on zero.

In Group C, Hungary are top - but again only thanks to goal difference - over Croatia with both sides having 100 per cent records after two matches.

Hungary beat newcomers Kosovo 36-21 at the Pavillón Municipal dos Deportes de Pontevedra, while Croatia won 33-29 in a tense match against Brazil.

In the opening match of Group C today, Portugal recorded their first victory of the tournament, narrowly beating Bahrain 29-27. 

Tomorrow, there are 12 matches during a marathon day that is due to start at 10am as all 24 countries are in action. 

The top four countries from each group will qualify for the last 16, with Vigo scheduled to host the final on July 28.