The Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallists went through despite not playing as Russia beat Germany 16-12 in a Group B clash in Ruza.

It means the Croatians, who won Olympic gold at London 2012, cannot be ousted from the top of the group after they had previously earned three wins from three to gain nine points.

Russia have now played all four of their matches and have five points in second, while Germany have one and will meet Croatia in the final round of fixtures.

Despite their win, Russia have been eliminated as results elsewhere mean they cannot go through as one of the three best runners-up.

Other games today saw reigning Olympic champions Serbia beaten 11-8 by neighbours and hosts Montenegro in Pogdorica.

Serbia still top the group with nine points but have now played all of their matches.

It means Montenegro, on six, could leap above them when they play their final game against eliminated Romania.

In Group C, hosts Hungary thrashed The Netherlands 13-1 in Debrecen.

They have gone top with nine points and will face second-placed Spain, on six, in their final game to decide who wins the group and makes it to the Super Final.

Final round fixtures will be played on April 10, when the three group winners will be confirmed.

All three table-toppers will qualify for the Super Final alongside the best-placed runner-up.

Four countries from other parts of the world will join the European trio at the Super Final through an Intercontinental Qualifying Tournament.

This will be held in Auckland in New Zealand between April 3 and 8.

Details of the Super Final have yet to be announced.