Both are in Group 1 in Herning, and both came close to losing their 100 per cent records.

France led Spain by six goals at one stage in the second half, but the Spaniards fought back and ended up losing only 26-25.

Spain made it a one-score game with 21 seconds remaining, but France held on.

Carmen Martín scored nine goals in the losing effort and is now third on the all-time European Championship scoring chart.

Russia similarly held of a Montenegrin fightback to move onto six points, winning 24-23.

It had been 13-13 at the interval and 20-20 at the 50-minute mark, but four unanswered goals saw Russia take a 24-20 lead and the reigning Olympic champions and 2018 runners-up were able to hold on for the win.

Points won in the initial group stage against sides who also advanced are carried over, meaning Russia and France both sit on six points from three games in the new standings.

In Group 2 in Kolding, Croatia and Norway also maintained 100 per cent records.

Seven goals from Valentina Blažević played a big part in Croatia defeating Romania 25-20. 

Later, Nora Mørk scored eight as Norway brushed aside world champions The Netherlands 32-25.

Mørk is the tournament's leading scorer with 30 goals.

While Norway and Croatia each sit on six points from three games, the Dutch have two and are again at risk of being eliminated, while Romania - fourth in 2018 - are currently pointless. 

France and Russia are due to meet tomorrow in a rematch of the 2018 final, while hosts Denmark are up against Sweden.