Summary: Montenegro shock; Spain, Denmark & France still perfect

• Montenegro stun Croatia with 32:26 win; Sweden end Russia's winning streak
• France take a 34:24 victory over the Netherlands; Spain beat Germany 29:23
• Denmark defeat Iceland 28:24; Norway set records in a 42:31 win against Poland
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22:40

EHF EURO 2022 action is over for tonight, but it will be back on tomorrow at 15:30 with group II in Bratislava. As usual, the blog will bring you the build-up ahead of the games from 10:00 CET, before the throw-off. Do join us again then!

22:25

Six very different main round matches tonight, with some big margins. Spain, Denmark and France have extended their winning streaks and put themselves in a strong position ahead of round 2 of the main round, which for group II continues tomorrow.

Read all the match reviews below.

22:00 | FULL-TIME

DENMARK 28:24 ICELAND

Grundfos Player of the Match Mathias Gidsel (nine goals) and Kevin Møller (13 goals) led Denmark to the win, and Denmark were able to use all their players in the second half. Iceland suffer their first loss of the tournament.

POLAND 30:42 NORWAY

A hugely high-scoring match in Bratislava is won by Norway in their biggest win of the tournament by some margin. Both Grundfos Player of the Match Sebastian Barthold and Arkadiusz Moryto scored 10 times, with Sander Sagosen adding nine. Only three Norwegian players, and five Poles, failed to find the net.

21:54

Denmark have rotated their bench and are staying in front now, with a four-goal margin and two minutes to play.

Norway hold a huge 13-goal lead against Poland.

21:42

Despite Iceland's goalkeepers having a frankly horrible day, with only four saves between them, Iceland trail only by three goals. Björgvin Pall Gustavsson is certainly missed, but the strength and fight of the rest of the team are really showing now with 10 minutes to play.

21:35

Norway now lead by 10 goals, and seem to have the match sewn up. When they're producing handball like this beautiful assist from Christian O'Sullivan, it's easy to see why.

21:25

Sander Sagosen hit the 150 goals at the EHF EURO shortly before the break. The 2020 top scorer has found his form now, with eight goals in that first half alone.

21:13 | HALF-TIME

DENMARK 17:14 ICELAND

Whether Iceland have the endurance to stick with Denmark's superior bench remains to be seen, but they definitely took the fight to the world champions and were pretty much level until Kevin Møller started saving. 

POLAND 15:21 NORWAY

In the highest-scoring first half at the EHF EURO 2022, with 36 goals, one more than in the game between Montenegro and Slovenia in the preliminary round, Norway lead comfortably with a far superior efficiency in attack. Here's what Adrian Costeiu has to say.

20:58

Kevin Møller has found his mojo, and as Mikkel Hansen nets a penalty Denmark take their first three-goal advantage. 

Norway are now leading 16:10 in a confident display in Bratislava, with Sander Sagosen up to five.

20:55

At 12:12 Gudmundur Gudmundsson calls his first timeout. The Icelanders huddle closely together by the bench, while Denmark form a much wider circle on the court.

Kevin Møller makes his first save of the game when play resumes, and keeps it level.

20:48

A 4:0 run took Norway to a 10:6 lead, narrowed with an Arkadiusz Moryto penalty. Szymon Sicko had until that point scored half of Poland's goals, including their first. 

20:44

The pace is noticeably higher in these last matches at present than in the earlier games. Iceland, with only 12 field players at their disposal, are going toe-to-toe with Denmark - notably, Ómar Ingi Magnusson has scored four of their nine goals. It's a level match.

20:33

Two quick goals for Sander Sagosen and Norway lead Poland. Sagosen wasn't really on form in the first two matches of the competition, but started scoring more in Norway's last game against Lithuania, and he could be key if Norway want to take the points in Bratislava tonight.

Iceland's Ómar Ingi Magnusson has also scored twice, but Denmark are level and it's 2:2 in Budapest.

20:24

There are a good number of Danes here in Budapest making some noise as the world champions are introduced - as well as a good number of Icelanders in blue with drums. This should be fun!

20:03

Let's have a look at some facts and stats about these last two games.

• Iceland and Denmark have played six times against each other in the EHF EURO, the last time in 2020. Overall, Denmark won three confrontations, Iceland two and one ended in a draw
• Mikkel Hansen will play his 45th EHF EURO game on Thursday, making him the fourth-most experienced Danish player in the competition
• the Poland vs Norway match is a crucial tie for the two sides, who are both starting with zero points, as the team that will lose will be virtually eliminated from contention for a semi-finals berth
• Norway’s influential back Sander Sagosen needs only eight goals to become the 20th player in EHF EURO history to have scored 150 goals, when he plays his 30th game in the competition against Poland

19:50

There are two matches still left tonight - a Nordic derby between Denmark and Iceland in Budapest, and Poland taking on the 2020 bronze medallists Norway in Bratislava. Both throw off at 20:30 CET.

19:27 | FULL-TIME

GERMANY 23:29 SPAIN

To their credit Germany never gave up and kept battling - even scoring a penalty after the buzzer. But Spain take the win, with 37-year-old left back Antonio Garcia named Grundfos Player of the Match.

FRANCE 34:24 NETHERLANDS

France's depth really paid off in the second half, and they gave the Netherlands no quarter. They limited Kay Smits to four goals, the lowest number he's scored in any EHF EURO match. Once again, Vincent Gerard was key, with 13 saves giving him another Player of the Match award.

19:20

France are absolutely dominating now. Vincent Gerard has done enough and Wesley Pardin comes on with six minutes to go and his side leading 31:20.

Germany have held on a bit better in Bratislava, but Spain have a seven-goal lead with four minutes to play.

19:11

The Netherlands have conceded two empty net goals in quick succession, playing a seven-on-six attack and failing to switch a field player for Bart Ravensbergen quickly enough to stop France scoring. France now have a 26:18 lead and Erlingur Richardsson calls a timeout. There's just under 15 minutes to go.

Spain lead 24:18 in Bratislava, with an imperious Gonzalo Perez de Vargas stopping many of Germany's attempts.

19:00

It's more than 14 minutes since Germany last scored and Spain now lead 19:12. Alfred Gislason looks a bit fed up.

The Dutch are having a more luck, but France have still extended their lead to 19:14.

18:44 | HALF-TIME

GERMANY 12:14 SPAIN

Rather similarly to France vs Netherlands, Spain's extra experience started to show towards the end of the half and gave them a lead. Here's EHF journalist Adrian Costeiu with his thoughts:

18:40 | HALF-TIME

FRANCE 15:12 NETHERLANDS

There was a period where it looked like the Netherlands might even take the lead, but France composed themselves and a 3:0 run by Aymeric Minne and Dika Mem has given them back the lead. Courtney Gahan assesses the match:

18:30

With the Dutch closing in Guillaume Gille calls his first timeout - but France do not score when they return to court, and Alec Smit equalises for the Netherlands. It's a remarkable turnaround from their uncertain start to the game.

18:24

Tons of fighting spirit on display for Germany and this clip shows their excellent defensive skills, which currently are paying dividends and putting Spain on the back foot.

18:18

The Dutch had a chance to get back within two goals, but Kay Smits uncharacteristically missed a penalty - however, on a fast break shortly afterwards Rutger Ten Velde did score. The Netherlands are back into this game.

Meanwhile, despite their large numbers of replacements, the Germans are leading Spain 9:8 after 16 minutes in a fantastic performance.

18:10

Germany managed to get Christoph Steinert back on court after he tested first positive, then negative for Covid-19. He top-scored against Poland the other night, so could be useful.

Spain now lead 5:4. 

In Budapest, the Dutch are struggling to compete with the pace of France's play and their sturdy defence, but are perhaps starting to get used to it. From 5:0 to France, it's now 8:4.

18:04

Hugo Descat has scored twice for France in the early moments, while Vincent Gerard stopped Luc Steins, and it's a solid start for the Olympic champions.

In Bratislava, Spain have an early 3:2 lead over Germany.

17:40

Time for a couple of facts about these next two games:

• Dutch right back Kay Smits is currently the best scorer of the competition with 32 goals, while the best scorer for France is Dika Mem (14 goals)
• France and the Netherlands have never played against each other at the EHF EURO before
• Spain are currently on the largest unbeaten streak in the history of the competition, 15 games, dating back to the EHF EURO 2018, when they lost 22:25 in the preliminary round against Denmark
• Germany have enjoyed their best start ever at the EHF EURO, having won the first three games they played in, boasting a +22 goal difference – the third best, after Denmark (+30) and France (+26)

17:20

You have 40 minutes for a break and a snack before the second set of main round games - Olympic champions France vs main round debutants the Netherlands, and unbeaten sides Germany and Spain. They throw off at 18:00 CET.

17:05 | FULL-TIME

MONTENEGRO 32:26 CROATIA

Unbelievably, that's only Montenegro's fourth-ever EHF EURO win, and it's the first time they have beaten Croatia at the European championships. They played confidently and looked like they were enjoying themselves, and it made the crucial difference.

RUSSIA 23:29 SWEDEN

Sweden start their main round with a good win, as Russia fail to find the solutions. Grundfos Player of the Match Hampus Wanne and goalkeeper Andreas Palicka were instrumental in stopping Russia's winning streak at the EHF EURO 2022.

16:56

Branko Vujovic is Montenegro's top scorer both today and in the competition, and it's easy to see why. Unstoppable power and speed, as his team start to cruise against Croatia who cannot find the answers.

16:47

It's 24:18 to the leaders in both games - still Sweden and Montenegro. Their goalkeepers are performing extraordinarily and have played a massive role in keeping them ahead. Nebjosa Simic for Montenegro seems to be having the best time, celebrating each and every save.

16:40

It's a very good day in the office for Andreas Palicka, with 12 saves for a 41 per cent efficiency in the first three-quarters of the match.

Russia are unable to close the gap, although Sweden's lead has not grown much - it's 21:17.

16:32

A slow restart, with one goal to Sweden, one to Montenegro, two to Croatia since both games have got back underway.

Montenegro, playing seven-on-six, conceded a goal after a turnover, but are persisting with the strategy.

16:20

Milos Vujovic (one of three Vujovics on court for Montenegro today) really came into his own in the last 10 minutes of the half, scoring four of his six goals in that period. They were good goals too.

16:15 | HALF-TIME 

RUSSIA 13:16 SWEDEN

Russia were hoping for a fourth win in the row, but Sweden are clearly intending to spoil the party - and begin the process of improving their EHF EURO, which hasn't gone entirely to plan so far.

16:12 | HALF-TIME

MONTENEGRO 15:9 CROATIA

Croatia's last goal was in the 26th minute, while Montenegro scored four to give themselves a big margin going into the dressing room. Here's EHF journalist Kevin Domas's assessment.

16:02

Six goals from Hampus Wanne and Sweden - including four penalty shots - and Sweden lead 14:12, but you get the sense that a battling Russia will not roll over for the world silver medallists.

Montenegro hang on to a three-goal advantage in a heavily defensive game. 

15:51

Great Goalkeeping of the Day, chapter 2: starring Andreas Palicka.

The Swedish keeper is doing a solid job of keeping Russia behind Sweden right now, while Sweden's attack is also proving effective.

15:43

Against Slovenia Nebojsa Simic was crucial in the Montenegrin goal, and he's started as he finished with three saves from five shots so far.

Meanwhile, Vuk Lazovic has his second suspension inside 10 minutes, which is less helpful. It's 3:3 after 10 minutes in Budapest. In Bratislava, Sweden lead Russia 7:5.

15:39

Both Russia and Sweden are missing important players through Covid - Sergei Mark Kosorotov and Niclas Ekberg. At the moment, Sweden is having a better time of it, with three Hampus Wanne goals putting them 5:3 ahead.

15:37

The first five minutes in Budapest have been all about the defence. With Vuk Lazovic suspended and Montenegro a man down, a turnover is dangerous and Luka Cindric equalises at 2:2 for Croatia.

15:30

The main round has started!

15:15

Here in Budapest both teams are finishing their warm-ups, and the fans are taking their seats. There are shirts from all the countries due to play today, who will no doubt be in for a treat of an afternoon.

14:57

A few facts about today's first games:

• while Montenegro are into their second main round, Croatia have reached every one since 2002
• Croatia have won each of their three EHF EURO matches, in 2008, 2014 and 2020
• if Russia beat Sweden it will be the second time in history they have won four games in a row
• Sweden have the second most efficient attack in the competition, 71 per cent, only behind Germany (72 per cent), despite scoring only 85 goals in the preliminary round

14:42

Our excellent daily newsletter is a good way to start your EHF EURO day - dropping into your email inbox first thing, it will bring you the results of the previous night, photos, and news from the tournament. And if you sign up you're in with a chance of winning an official Select ball.

14:35

Some pre-match updates on squads and players:

Germany have announced a squad of 15 for today's match with Spain, and also said that all Covid-19 tests from Wednesday evening came back negative.

Croatia have just announced that David Mandic is able to play today.

Dutch back Iso Slujters and goalkeeper Dennis Schellekens are out, but centre back Florent Bourget, who tested positive earlier in the competition and is yet to play, is now fit. 

Spain will miss experienced left back Joan Cañellas and up-and-coming centre back Ian Tarrafeta today, while Iceland announced that captain Aron Palmarsson and left wing Bjarki Mar Elisson have tested positive too. 

13:15

We're heading to the arena in Budapest soon and will pick up build-up there, but in the meantime, Montenegro got their first look at the court yesterday and posted a training video. They throw off against Croatia at 15:30 CET.

12:22

A match between Germany and Spain is always a classic, and it's one that Spain's captain Gedeon Guardiola is looking forward to. Guardiola took over as leader of the 'Hispanos' in the wake of Raul Entrerrios' retirement, and is combining duties as captain with those of the team's defence boss. He spoke to EHF journalist Björn Pazen about what this has meant for him.

12:09

Confirmation is just in that the main group group II match between Germany and Spain will take place tonight, after Germany requested a postponement. See below for details.

12:05

Dutch back Kay Smits is well on track to be EHF EURO 2022's top scorer, with 12 more goals on his tally than any other player left in the competition. Mikkel Hansen (Denmark) and Branko Vujovic (Montenegro) have both scored 20 goals so far. 

What's more, no player has ever scored as many goals as Smits in the first three games of an EHF EURO. And he's also scoring accurately, with a 78 per cent efficiency rate. We can't wait to see what he produces tonight against France, and how France plan to defend against him.

11:45

Coaches' reactions during the game are brilliant - always so intense and emotional. Poland have posted a great gallery of their coach, Patryk Rombel, celebrating successes so far. Can they beat Norway this evening?

11:33

There'll be a special guest supporting Iceland against Denmark tonight - Icelandic president, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson. He's on his way to Budapest for the first main round match.

11:23

Russia have been a surprise top performer so far, beating Lithuania and Norway and then sweeping aside Slovakia for a perfect record in the preliminary round. 

Today they face Sweden, who suffered defeat to Spain and drew with the Czech Republic. While the Swedes haven't performed as well as Russia here so far, they are generally more experienced. So it should be a good clash later on in Bratislava.

10:58

Yesterday we asked a few handball legends who their best seven of the preliminary round were. Here are their choices. The best left wing is definitely a Sebastian, it turns out, although they can't agree whether it's Barthold or Frimmel. The Netherlands' Kay Smits gets the nod in left back from Lars Christensen and François-Xavier Houlet, while Houlet and Dominik Klein agree that Poland's Arkadiusz Moryto is the best right wing and Mikkel Hansen the best left back.

Lars Christensen (Denmark, two-time European champion)

François-Xavier Houlet (France, world bronze medallist)

Dominik Klein (Germany, world champion 2007)

10:30

Ahead of the main round some teams have reported new Covid-19 cases. 

Germany is the most affected. Over the last few days the team has announced positive tests for the following players: Julius Kühn, Hendrik Wagner, Kai Häfner, Timo Kastening, Andreas Wolff, Lukas Mertens, Luca Witzke, Till Klimpke, Marcel Schiller, Sebastian Heymann, Christoph Steinert and Djibril M’Bengue.

They have drafted in a series of replacements with the latest trio en route being Bergischen HC left back Lukas Stutzke and right back David Schmidt, and Melsungen right wing Tobias Reichmann. Yesterday Germany confirmed they were not planning to withdraw from the tournament, despite the large numbers affected. Let's hope all their players test negative soon.

Iceland reported positive tests for goalkeeper Björgvin Pall Gustavsson, and left backs Elvar Jónsson and Olafur Andres Gudmundsson, but said they would not call up replacements at this stage.

Dutch left wing Jeffrey Boomhouwer and left back Robin Schoenacker both tested positive on Monday, and the Netherlands announced yesterday they were bringing in 21-year-old Flensburg player Lars Kooij and Sporting Nelo wing Tommie Falke as replacements.

Croatia are missing line players Zeljko Musa and Nikola Grahovac, left wing David Mandic and goalkeeper Mate Sunjic, and have called up a number of replacements for them. 

10:00

The main round gets underway today, and we already have some clashes between teams with perfect records. Germany will meet Spain in Bratislava, and Denmark play Iceland in Budapest. A win for any one of these four would put them in a strong position to progress. 

France and Russia, the other two teams with three wins and two main round points, play the Netherlands and Sweden respectively.

Check out all the history and facts about each match in our match previews.