The group stage has finished and we found out all the countries going to the next round. There is almost no time to rest for the players, as the second round starts tomorrow.

Group C (Zagreb): Germany - Macedonia 25:25 (12:11)It was without a doubt one of the toughest matches of the group stage. Both teams were in the lead for quite a while, but both were unable to create a big lead. It looked like Macedonia is on the verge of clinching a third 1-goal victory of the group, but Stojanche Stoilov had his shot saved by Silvio Heinevetter. Germany did not really have a good chance after that, so it ended 25:25- a second draw for the Germans. Weinhold had a great game, scoring 8 goals. Ristovski was amazing in goal for the Macedonians with 13 saves. Filip Taleski led them in scoring with 6; Lazarov and Manaskov added 5 more. Germany carries over 2 points, whereas Macedonia have 3 in their bag. Czech Republic, Denmark and Spain are their next opponents.

Group C (Zagreb): Montenegro - Slovenia 19:28 (13:14)A dominant second half performance from Slovenia saw them secure a spot in the next round. After two stressful matches, Veselin Vujovic’s side finally managed to record a well-deserved win by beating Montenegro. Terrific defense in the second half from Slovenia, and lack of focus from Montenegro’s players meant that difference is bigger than expected. Gasper Marguc was the man who led the winners in scoring with 6, as Celje PL’s duo Mackovsek - Mlakar added 6 more. Vasko Sevaljevic led the losing side with 6 goals, but it was really a poor overall performance. Skok and Lesjak had 11 saves in total, which was enough for a win that sends the Slovenians to the next round with 1 point.

In Group D, Czech Republic pulled another upset after beating Denmark. This time, they won against Hungary- 33:27, meaning they are going to carry two points over to the next round. Ondrej Zdrahala scored an incredible 14 goals against Hungary. SEHA players Horak, Hrstka and Cip all played important roles, by scoring 4 goals each.

Denmark achieved an important win against Spain, meaning all three passengers from Group D, are set to start the second round with 2 points. Dujshebaev brothers- Alex (6) and Daniel (2) combined for 8 goals, and Vardar’s Canellas added 1 for Spain.

Group I will be played in Zagreb; Sweden and France start the second round with 4 points, Norway and Croatia have 2, and Serbia and Belarus are without a point.

Group II is in Varazdin; it will be really intense in this one. Macedonia have accumulated 3 points, Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic and Spain have 2, and Slovenia has just one.