With their results against fellow Group A qualifiers carried over from the first round, France began Group I in fourth place on two points following their loss against Poland and win against Macedonia. 

But they moved to the top of the pile momentarily thanks to a 34-23 victory against the surprise package of Group B, Belarus, and set a Championship record for goal difference after a first-half in the process. 

France’s half-time lead of 20-5 eclipsed the previous mark set by Spain, who held a 17-3 advantage over Hungary midway through their match at the 1998 Championship.

"After the hard game against Poland, we succeeded to get up," said France's line player Ludovic Fabregas.

"The key players did the job in the first-half and the young ones had their chance to express themselves.

"We led by a large number, so we played without pressure."

Croatia’s 34-24 triumph against Macedonia later in the evening saw them knock France off the summit of the table on goal difference. 

Like their French counterparts, the Croatians carried over two points from their Group B campaign having beaten Belarus and lost to Norway.

Six goals for Ivan Sliskovic, including his 100th for the Croatian national team, went a long way towards doubling that tally with Marino Maric and player of the match Manuel Štrlek adding five each.

Croatia, France, Poland and Norway are all level on four points, although Poland and Norway, who face each other on Saturday (January 23), have a game in hand.

France meet Croatia in Saturday’s other match with Macedonia and Belarus not in action again until Monday (January 25).

Action is scheduled to continue tomorrow at the Hala Stulecia in Wrocław, where Germany take on Hungary and Sweden go up against Russia in the first two Group II matches.

Meanwhile at the Asian Men’s Handball Championship, hosts Bahrain secured their place in the semi-finals courtesy of a 27-16 win over Iran.

Their fourth victory in as many matches keeps them top of Group B, one point clear of Saudi Arabia who beat China 34-20 today.

A draw for Saudi Arabia against Bahrain in the final round of group matches on Saturday (January 23) will ensure their qualification for the semi-finals, but if they lose, the United Arab Emirates could snatch second spot on goal difference with a win against Iran.

The UAE beat Lebanon 27-23 today to move onto five points, two behind Saudi Arabia. 

Group A takes centre stage tomorrow as Oman face Japan and South Korea provide the opposition for winless Syria.

The competition's top four teams will secure their place at the 2017 World Championships in France next January.