Favourites win on first day of Men's 20 EHF EURO

The favourites' preparation for the Men's 20 EHF EURO 2014 in Austria obviously paid off, as the 'hottest shots' for the title - Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Spain - all recorded victories on the tournament's first day.

Hosts Austria also had a good start to the event, beating Belarus 25:23.

In Group A Spain got off to a very convincing start, granting FYR Macedonia only seven goals in first half, while scoring 20 themselves in the first 30 minutes. Having virtually pocketed the game, Spain took it easier in the second half and eventually won 33:22.

In the following match France proved too strong for Norway, beating them 29:22.

FYR Macedonia face France today (Friday), while Norway meet Spain in what can already become decisive matches for the main round for which the two top teams of each group qualify.

In Group B Denmark struggled in the first half against Serbia, but found their rhythm in the second, winning the game 31:23 (14:13). In the group's second game Switzerland beat Estonia 26:20.

In Group C Men's 18 EHF EURO 2012 champions Germany beat Slovakia 32:18, and hosts Austria turned around a 12:15 deficit at half-time against Belarus and hence started into the tournament with a 25:23 win.

Sweden and Slovenia are the victorious teams in Group D, with the former taking a 36:24 win against Israel and the latter beating Hungary 29:21.

The preliminary round for all teams continues today (Friday, 25 July), Saturday is a rest day, and all teams will again take to the court on Sunday for their respective third matches.

Tournament information

The Men’s 20 EHF EURO takes place in the Austrian cities of Linz and Traun from 24 July to 3 August 2014. For more information visit the official website and the event’s Facebook page.

All matches can be watched online. This is the link to matches in Linz, matches in Traun can be watched here.

During the tournament eurohandball.com and the EHF EURO Facebook page will also feature regular reports, features and photo galleries.

Austria also hosted the Men’s 18 EHF EURO 2012 when the same generation of players took to the court. Back then Germany won, Sweden came second and Denmark placed third. Austria finished sixth.

The previous Men’s 20 EHF EURO took place in Turkey in 2012. Spain won ahead of Croatia and Slovenia. Austria had not qualified.