Defending champions Brazil avoid shock with win over Argentina at Women's World Handball Championships

Brazil overcame South American rivals Argentina with a narrow 23-19 win ©Getty Images

Defending champions Brazil picked up their third consecutive win at the Women’s World Handball Championships with a narrow 23-19 success over South American rivals Argentina in Denmark.

Argentina, the clear underdogs in the contest, caused their opponents real problems from the start at the Kolding-Hallen and took a surprise 7-6 lead at the 20-minute mark.

Brazil, led by the high-scoring antics of right back Dionise Facinello, who finished the game with seven, enjoyed a fruitful ending to the first half to go into the break with an 11-8 advantage.

They then stretched their lead to five goals but the Argentinians kept pace right up until the final whistle, falling just short in their pursuit of a shock victory..

Brazil, whose triumph at the 2013 event handed them their first-ever world title, will finish top of Group C with a win against France in their final match tomorrow.

The French currently remain leaders of the group after they also secured their third victory of the tournament, beating the Democratic Republic of Congo 29-16 in an uninspiring encounter.

The other match in Group C went the way of Germany as they overcame South Korea, who were involved in an entertaining draw with Brazil in their opening contest, 40-28 to seal third spot.

France remain top of Group C after they beat Democratic Republic of Congo 29-16 ©Getty Images

Elsewhere, Russia maintained their 100 per cent record in style in Group D as they hammered Kazakhstan 42-19 at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn.

Anna Sen, Ekaterina Ilina and Anna Vyakhereva each found the net on seven occasions, allowing coach Evgeny Trefilov to rest key players as they reasserted their position at the top of the group with a commanding performance.

The Russians are two points ahead of Spain, who trounced Puerto Rico 39-13, with Marta Lopez the star performer for her side as she scored eight goals.

The Spaniards are due to take on Norway for second place behind Russia after they proved too strong for Romania, seizing control of proceedings following an even start to the match before eventually clinching a 26-22 success.

The competition is scheduled to continue tomorrow with concluding matches in all four groups.